MOSCOW, July 2 - RAPSI. The Moscow City Court upheld on Monday the arrest of Yaroslav Belousov and Fyodor Bakhov, who are suspected of participating in riots in central Moscow on May 6, the court spokesperson told the Russian Legal Information Agency.

The Basmanny District Court's decision to place the two suspects in custody has been approved and the defense's application for their release has been turned down.

The prosecutor said the decision was well grounded and in full conformity with the law, adding that the arrest extension for all of the suspects in the riot case will be heard this week.

Mass opposition rallies began in Moscow on the eve of President-elect Vladimir Putin’s taking office.

Clashes with the police flared up during a procession across Moscow that had been approved by the authorities. Tens of people were injured. The police detained over 400 protesters. However, the opposition continued its protests by holding a series of "people's promenades."

In total, 13 protesters have been detained in the case.