MONTREAL -- A friend of Jun Lin has taken the stand as the preliminary hearing of Luka Rocco Magnotta enters its final week in Montreal.

Magnotta sat impassively as Dong Dong Xu answered questions from Crown and defence lawyers today.

Xu attempted to have a publication ban placed on his identity, but the judge dismissed the request.

Magnotta is charged with first-degree murder in the slaying and dismemberment of Lin last May.

The preliminary hearing is into its third week, with witnesses from Vancouver expected to testify this afternoon via video conference.

The hearing will determine whether there is enough evidence to send the case to trial.

None of the evidence can be published because of a court-ordered ban.

Magnotta has pleaded not guilty to all charges.