Ex-Premier Vlad Filat, who is accused of passive corruption and influence peddling, remains under arrest. The Appeals Court on October 23 rejected the appeal of his lawyers, who asked quashing the Buiucani Court’s decision to extend the arrest warrant for 30 days, IPN reports.

After the hearing, the ex-Premier’s lawyer Igor Popa said the defense does not agree with the Appeals Court decision and will appeal it to the European Court of Human Rights, because the right to efficient defense and the presumption of innocence were violated. There are no reasonable suspicions or evidence proving the need of preventive arrest. The prosecution tried to provide other evidence given the absence of conclusive proofs in court.

Vlad Filat attended today’s hearing, unlike the previous ones. He said that he was intentionally isolated so that he could not speak. He noted he feels fine and is morally and physically prepared to bring this struggle to an end, until the truth is discovered. According to him, Shor’s statements are deceitful and he dies not know those companies about which they speak, while the presumption of innocence in this case is violated for political purposes.

On October 15, Parliament deprived Vlad Filat of parliamentary immunity amid allegations of corruption and influence peddling. The same day Vlad Filata was placed under arrest for 72 hours. On October 18, the warrant for his arrest was extended for 30 days.