MOSCOW, June 8 - RAPSI. The Moscow Presnensky District Court has extended until August 26 the arrest of Chechen Muhammed Suleimanov, who is suspected of killing Colonel Yuri Budanov, his defense attorney Ruslan Khasanov told the Russian Legal Information Agency (RAPSI/rapsinews.com).

Budanov was convicted in one of the most high-profile Chechen war crime trials.

The court thereby sided with investigators and dismissed the defense's request to release Suleimanov on 50-75 million ruble ($1.5-$2 mln) bail.

The attorney said he has already appealed the court's decision with the Moscow City Court. If the appeals court keeps Suleimanov under arrest, he will remain in detention for an entire year, taking into account the time that he has already spent in jail.

Investigators maintain that Suleimanov and several unidentified individuals bought a car with a fake license plate, arms and a silencer.

Suleimanov and his accomplices followed Budanov when he entered the courtyard of his apartment building in Moscow. Suleimanov then exited the vehicle and shot him at least eight times.

Suleimanov has denied the charges and asked the court to change his measure of restraint.