23:10, 5 September 2011

Court leaves Makhmudov, defendant in Politkovskaya's murder case, in custody

The Basmanny Court of Moscow has extended until December 7 the custody of Rustam Makhmudov, a native of Chechnya, accused of murdering the observer of the "Novaya Gazeta" Anna Politkovskaya.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the indictment of murdering Anna Politkovskaya was presented to Rustam Makhmudov, who was detained on May 31 in his parents' house in Chechnya. He was convoyed to Moscow. Earlier, a criminal investigation had been extended until September 7, 2011, and Makhmudov's custody was also extended. The court session on the next custody extension was held behind closed doors.

By decision of the judge, Makhmudov will stay in custody till the end of the investigation of the case.

Let us remind you that the Investigatory Committee of the Russian Federation (ICRF) has extended the investigation for the journalist's murder till December 7.

Thus, the judge has satisfied the request of the investigators, who had sought to extend the Makhmudov's custody, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports from the courtroom.

Author: Yaroslav Kozulin

Source: CK correspondent