MOSCOW, August 1 (Itar-Tass) - Moscow’s Basmanny Court on Thursday will consider the investigation request to extend the house arrest term for Left Front leader Sergei Udaltsov. The opposition leader is charged with preparing the organisation of mass riots in Russia, the use of violence against representatives of the authorities during a rally in Bolotnaya Square.

Udaltsov has been under house arrest since the beginning of February 2013. During this period, he has been staying in his apartment in Zatonskaya Street. He was forbidden to leave the apartment, to communicate with anyone except lawyers and close relatives, to use any means of communication, including telephone and the Internet.

The leader of the Left Front has extensive contacts, including abroad, according to the investigation’s request. Therefore, if at large, he could escape, and “try to implement his criminal plans.” The investigator also stressed that the guilt of the opposition leader is confirmed by both the results of the searches and the testimony of witnesses and Udaltsov himself.

Udaltsov and his lawyer Violetta Volkova oppose the house arrest extension.