The Chisinau Appeals Court on December 17 rejected the defense’s appeal against the Buiucani Court’s December 10 decision to extend the period of custody for Vlad Filat. The ex-Premier didn’t attend the hearing, IPN reports.
Prosecutor Adriana Betisor said that a number of witnesses, persons holding responsible posts, were questioned within the investigation and these confirmed that Vlad Filat exerted influence on them so that they took particular decisions. She refused to give other details, saying a part of the case will be soon sent to court. She added that for now Vlad Filat, who pleads not guilty, made no official statement.
Filat’s lawyer Igor Popa said the defense does not agree with the judges’ decision because those elements that the prosecution names evidence were obtained with serious violations. The witnesses and denouncers in this case were constrained to give testimony.
The former Prime Minister was arrested on charges of passive corruption and influence peddling in October.
