Chief editor of "Novaya Gazeta" confirms that Politkovskaya was killed for her professional activities

The journalist Anna Politkovskaya systematically received threats, and her murder was linked to her professional activities, Dmitry Muratov, the editor-in-chief of the "Novaya Gazeta", said at a session of the Moscow City Court (MCC).

During his performance on February 13, he said that Politkovskaya was systematically persecuted.

"Anna Politkovskaya worked with the newspaper since the end of 2000, initially as a special correspondent, and then as an observer. She covered acute topics; in fact, she was a war correspondent and worked in hot spots of Northern Caucasus, when they conducted counterterrorist operations (CTOs) there, including in Chechnya. She repeatedly received death threats," Mr Muratov said.

According to his story, the "Novaya Gazeta" was to receive Politkovskaya's last publication on the day she was assassinated.

"Its topic was on the video materials of facts of torture in Chechnya committed by persons close to Chechen pro-government forces. I read her article on Monday, but it was not finished," Muratov said and added that Politkovskaya never sent the full text; and her colleagues began worrying about her.

The next court session will be held on February 17.