MOSCOW, December 16 (RAPSI) – The Moscow City Court on Monday upheld detention of a participant of the unauthorized rally held in Moscow on July 27 Sergey Surovtsev, who had allegedly beaten a National Guard officer with a metal guardrail, until January 27, RAPSI was told in the court’s press service.

Surovtsev is accused of using force against a representative of authority.

According to investigators, on July 27, Surovtsev beat an officer of the National Guard with a metal guardrail and attempted to block moving of other law enforcement officers in central Moscow. Later, he allegedly was lost in the crowd.

The defendant pleaded not guilty and petitioned for house arrest.

Unauthorized rallies in support of candidates seeking to become lawmakers of the Moscow State Duma but refused registration by the Election Commission were held on July 27 and August 3 in central Moscow. Over 1,000 people were arrested for various violations as a result.

Following the 27 July rally, the Investigative Committee criminal cases were opened. Investigators believe that the protest action was held with the use of force against representatives of authority.

Several activists have been already convicted and sentenced. Prosecution of five defendants has been dropped.