MOSCOW, July 16 - RAPSI. Investigators have brought the final charges against former Moscow police officer Dmitry Pavlyuchenkov, who is suspected of involvement in renowned journalist Anna Politkovskaya's murder, Investigative Committee spokesman Vladimir Markin told RIA Novosti on Monday.
Pavlyuchenkov has been charged with "contract murdering an individual in connection with his official activity committed as part of a group" and "illegal arms trafficking."
The maximum punishment for these crimes is life imprisonment.
According to Markin, plans have been made to separate the case for special proceedings as the defendant has entered into a plea bargain and is cooperating with the investigators.
The case is expected to be tried under special procedure without holding an examination of the evidence or witness interrogations. By entering into the plea bargain, the defendant pleads guilty and the court may not sentence him to a prison term over two-thirds of the maximum sentence.
Politkovskaya was killed in the elevator of her house on Lesnaya Street in Moscow on October 7, 2006. Investigators believe that her professional activity was likely the reason for her death.
Six individuals are being prosecuted for her murder.