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Russia’s former economy minister appeals against his house arrest

President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on November 15 relieving Aleksey Ulyukayev of his duties as Russia’s economic development minister over the loss of confidence

Aleksey Ulyukayev AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev

Aleksey Ulyukayev

© AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev

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MOSCOW, November 18. /TASS/. Russia’s former Economic Development Minister Aleksey Ulyukayev, accused of taking a $2mln bribe, has filed an appeal against his house arrest with the Moscow City Court, his lawyer Timofei Gridnev told TASS on Friday.

Ulyukayev’s lawyers ask the court to overturn the district court order and to choose a milder measure, not restricting his freedom of movement.

The Basmanny District Court has confirmed to TASS that they received Ulyukayev’s lawyers’ appeal, noting the hearing of the case at the Moscow City Court will be set next week.

On November 14, Ulyukayev was detained as he received $2 million as a bribe in exchange for the Economic Ministry’s positive appraisal that allowed the oil major Rosneft to buy out from the state a 50.08% stake in the Bashneft oil company. On November 15, Russian President Vladimir Putin has relieved Aleksey Ulyukayev of his ministerial duties over the loss of confidence. Ulyukayev was indicted under Article 290 of the Russian Criminal Code (bribe-taking) and Moscow’s Basmanny district court ruled to place him under house arrest.

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