A Linz court has decided that former Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader will remain in detention until March 18 due to fears that he could flee if released.

Answering Sanader's appeal, the court in the Austrian town of Linz decided to extend the ex-PM'S detention as there is a possibility that he would flee if released. There is no danger, however, that he would hide any evidence, the decision states.

March 18 is the earliest date that the ex-PM could be released, the daily Jutarnji List writes. The court’s spokesperson said that he has the right to appeal the decision again.

The Austrian State Attorney’s Office for corruption has scheduled a new hearing for February 3.

Sanader has been in detention since his arrest on December 10 on a warrant issued by Croatia, where he is wanted on suspicion of abuse of power and embezzlement.