MOSCOW, September 6 - RAPSI. Law enforcement officials have completed their investigation into Dmitry Pavlyuchenkov's role in the murder of Novaya Gazeta journalist, Anna Politkovskaya, said Investigative Committee spokesman Vladimir Markin.
"Assuming that the defendant adheres to the plea agreement and after the defendant and the defense team have reviewed the case materials, the case will be submitted for the indictment process and the defendant's special circumstance status will be proposed," said Markin.
The case against Pavlyuchekov has been set apart for special circumstance status. The special procedure classification ensures a trial without an evidentiary review or witness testimonies, and the court cannot sentence the defendant to the maximum punishment. Pavlyuchenkov's house arrest will last until November.
Politkovskaya was renowned for her investigative journalism on human rights issues in Chechnya. She was killed in Moscow on October 7, 2006. Investigators believe her murder was related to her work.
Six people are suspects in the case - former police officer Pavlyuchenkov, Chechen-born Lom-Ali Gaitukayev, former police officer Sergei Kadzhikurbanov and the Makhmudov brothers, one of whom is alleged to be the killer.
"At this point the defendant and the aggrieved parties have been notified that the investigation is over and that they can begin reviewing the case materials," added Markin.