17:28, 12 November 2013

Witness in Politkovskaya murder case reports about received threats

Dmitry Pavlyuchenkov, a former employee of the Moscow GUVD (Chief Interior Department), earlier convicted for the murder of Anna Politkovskaya, a journalist of the "Novaya Gazeta", and now a witness at another trial on the case, has reported to the court about received threats.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that in March 2013 Pavlyuchenkov was sentenced to 11 years in prison for participation in the murder of Anna Politkovskaya. Because he had completely admitted his guilt, his case was considered under a special procedure. At the court session on September 18, Pavlyuchenkov told about the role of the current defendants in the crime.

During today's court session, Pavlyuchenkov has reported about permanent threats that he receives. He said that his cellmates threatened him in the paddy wagon, saying that his relatives "would pay with their health", if he "says a word about their involvement in the murders of Anna Politkovskaya and Paul Khlebnikov." The judge advised Pavlyuchenkov to address the police, the "Interfax" reports.

Later at the session Pavlyuchenkov refused to answer questions because of the absence of his advocate. As a result, his interrogation was postponed – the trial will continue on November 14.