Ex-Russian Economic Minister Banned From Taking Walks

Vladimir Putin and  Alexei Ulyukayev during better days for Ulyukayev.

Do not cross Putin.

Russia’s investigators have demanded to extend until April 15 the house arrest of former Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukayev, who is charged with taking a $2 mln bribe, a spokesperson for Moscow’s Basmanny court told TASS.

"The court has received a motion of investigators on extending the house arrest of Ulyukayev for three months or until April 15. The consideration of the motion is scheduled at 10.30 a.m. Moscow time on January 10," spokesperson Yunona Tsareva said.

Upon the court’s ruling, Ulyukayev is under house arrest in his apartment in Moscow. He is not allowed to leave his flat without permission, communicate with anyone, except for his close relatives, send messages by mail or use any other means of communication. The court order says that he may use a phone to call for an ambulance or emergency services. Ulyukayev is also banned from going for a walk.

Ulyukayev was taken into custody on November 14 when he allegedly received a $2 mln bribe for approving an endorsement by the ministry that allowed oil major Rosneft to purchase the government’s 50% stake in the Bashneft oil company.

 -RW