Rustam Makhmudov, accused of murdering Politkovskaya, states his innocence at trial

The Moscow City Court has questioned Rustam Makhmudov, accused of the murder of Anna Politkovskaya, the observer of the "Novaya Gazeta". The defendant denied any involvement in shadowing the journalist and any guilty of her murder.

On April 17, 21 and 22, court sessions did not take place because of the illness of the lawyer Vladimir Stepanov. On April 23, the sitting was postponed at the request of the lawyer Murad Musaev, who said that he was not ready to continue presenting evidence of his clients' innocence.

"In 2006, as I learned later, a tragedy occurred – Anna Politkovskaya was shot dead. My brothers and I were not involved in the murder or surveillance. We didn't take part in any murders; my brothers went to university. My uncle introduced me to Khadjikurbanov; I saw him at most twice," said the defendant.

The defence lawyers said they intend to explore some more evidence and complete presenting additions on April 29, after which the parties will pass over to debates.

Let us note here that on April 15 Rustam's brothers – Ibragim and Djabrail Makhmudov – were questioned, after which the presentation of defence evidence was completed.