Former Moldovan President Dodon released from house arrest

The Supreme Court of Justice of Moldova released ex-president Igor Dodon accused of corruption from house arrest, transmits “RIA Novosti” with reference to its correspondent.

“The Supreme Court of Justice decided to satisfy the request of lawyers and release Igor Dodon from house arrest,” the judge announced the decision. At the same time, Dodon will be under legal control and is obliged to appear before the prosecutors upon request.

The criminal case against Dodon was initiated on May 18. The Prosecutor General’s Office of Moldova suspected the politician of taking a bribe from businessman Vladimir Plahotniuc. The reason for the proceedings was a video, which was published in 2020 by ex-deputy Iurie Renita. The video featured then-president Dodon, leader of the Democratic Party Plahotniuc and his deputy Sergei Yaralov. The recording shows that Dodon received a package from Plahotniuc, in which, according to Renita, there was a large sum. The meeting took place in June 2019, and a few days later Plahotniuc went abroad.

The investigation is being carried out as part of a criminal case initiated under articles on “passive corruption” (up to seven years in prison), “obtaining funding for a political party from a criminal organization” (at least three years in prison), “illegal enrichment” and “high treason” (at least 12 years in prison). Dodon himself denies all the accusations, according to him, he is being persecuted for political reasons.

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