MOSCOW, July 11 (RAPSI) – The Moscow City Court has upheld the house arrest of Andrei Pushkarev, the brother of Vladivostok Mayor charged with abuse of office and commercial bribery, RAPSI reported from the court on Monday.

The court dismissed an appeal filed by Andrei Pushkarev’s defense seeking to extend the walks’ length from 1 to 4 hours per day or to release him on a 10 million ruble bail (about $155,700). The lawyers insisted that the ruling on the house arrest and imposed restrictions are too strict and ignore their client’s poor health condition.

On New Year 2015, Andrei Pushkarev received a serious wound during playing off fireworks. He came through numerous operations and cannot drink and take food by himself, according to his attorneys.

However, the court upheld the house arrest and all restrictions imposed on the defendant including daily walks limited to 1 hour in length.

On June 24, Andrei Pushkarev was arrested in Vladivostok and transferred to Moscow. He was charged with complicity in commercial bribery and put under house arrest upon a court order until July 31.

Earlier, the court ordered the detention of Vladivostok Mayor Igor Pushkarev, who stands accused of abuse of office and commercial bribery, until July 31 as well.

Pushkarev has pleaded not guilty to charges brought against him and expressed his willingness to cooperate with investigators.

Earlier, official representative for Russia’s Investigative Committee Vladimir Markin announced that between 2009 and 2014 Pushkarev «from mercenary or other personal motives» organized the acquisition by «Roads of Vladivostok» of a large volume of construction materials from the group of companies «Vostokcement» allegedly controlled by his relatives. Investigators believe that construction materials have been purchased at inflated prices. Pushkarev has received upwards of 45 million rubles ($700,400) for this.

The damage allegedly caused by Pushkarev has been estimated at more than 158 million rubles ($2.5 million), according to investigation.