Lopota house arrest extended until November 14
MOSCOW. July 13 (Interfax) - The Moscow Basmanny Court has extended until November 14 the house arrest of former RKK Energia President Vitaly Lopota, who is accused of abuse of office, an Interfax correspondent has reported, citing a ruling issued by Justice Yelena Lenskaya on Monday after considering the investigators' request.
The court agreed with investigators in that the circumstances that became the foundation of Lopota's house arrest have not changed and have not become redundant.
The court declined the request made by Lopota's defense lawyers to release him on bail.
An investigator told the court Lopota should stay under house arrest because investigators are planning some investigative actions which he can hinder if released from house arrest.
Thus, the investigators asked for Lopota to be left under house arrest.
The prosecutors fully backed the investigators' position.
Lopota, for his part, had asked for his measure of restraint to be softened.
The period of the investigation has been prolonged until November 14.
According to earlier reports, Lopota is charged with abuse of office. His lawyer says his client does not admit his guilt.
