The Appeals Court rejected the appeal of the defense of ex-Prime Minister Vlad Filat against the Buiucani Court’s decision to extend the period of custody by 90 days. Though the lawyers asked that one of the judges should be replaced, the appeal was examined by the same judicial panel, IPN reports.

Prosecutor Adriana Betisor told the press that the defense’ request was dismissed as groundless.

The former Premier’s lawyer Igor Popa said he disagrees with the decision of the Appeals Court because the prosecution presented no new elements that would justify the holding of his client in custody. “It is clearly direct encroachment on the right to freedom. The Buiucani Court didn’t appropriately pronounce on the arguments provided by the defense. We cannot understand why the Appeals Court decided to upheld the decision. We think this decision is abusive and arbitrary,” stated the lawyer.

The next hearing in the case of Vlad Filat will take place on January 21.