Ex-minister of transport and road infrastructure Iurie Chirinciuc, who is accused of influence peddling and abuse of power, was transferred from house arrest under judicial control by a decision taken by the Buiucani branch of the Court of Chisinau. The ex-minister says he is not guilty and stands trial because someone wanted this, IPN reports.

Iurie Chirinciuc criticized the journalists for the way in which these covered the events in his case. He also commented on the videos made with a hidden camera, which were presented by the National Anticorruption Center. These show him in his office taking a bag that was allegedly with money.

“It is outrageous. Those who saw the videos bit a piece of the poisoned apple. They took the bait. You disseminated and commented on those images as you wanted, but the prosecutor warned you that there is the presumption of innocence. Those sequences have nothing to do with this case. I expect I will be acquitted. I didn’t admit guilt, but I admitted that I built roads, not for me, but for the people,” stated Iurie Chirinciuc.

The prosecutor dealing with this case said the sentence could be passed on August 2, but until then Iurie Chirinciuc will be under judicial control.