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Trayvon Martin demonstrators in Sanford

SANFORD, Fla. — As Day 1 of jury selection in George Zimmerman's second-degree murder trial began, a small group of demonstrators supporting victim Travon Martin expressed their views outside the courtroom.

Zimmerman has maintained he shot and killed the 17-year-old in self-defense, and his attorneys hope they can prove that during his trial, which is expected to last about six weeks.

Outside of the courthouse, two sites were set up for demonstrators, one for Zimmerman supporters and the other for Martin supporters.

So far, no one has showed up in support of Zimmerman and those there for Martin had cleared out by early afternoon.

The group had gathered early, wearing hooded sweatshirts much like the one worn by Martin the night he was killed.

"A year ago when George Zimmerman killed Trayvon Martin, he was allowed to walk free for over a month until thousands of people stepped out all across the country to demand justice," one demonstrator said.

"Another young black man was shot down," said Sanford resident Francis Oliver. "Nothing was going to be done about it and all he had in his defense was a pack of Skittles and a can of iced tea."

Deputies are on hand throughout the trial in case things get out of hand.