“The accusations against Vladimir Plahotniuc are made in a pre-electoral period when those who are now in power plunged society into a deep crisis and face situations when they need to distract the people’s attention from the real problems and from the state in which the Republic of Moldova is now,” said the defense for the former Democratic leader, being quoted by IPN.

“All the accusations made against Vladimir Plahotniuc are unfounded and are not based on real facts and could never be proven as they weren’t committed in reality,” says a message signed by lawyer Lucian Rodac. He noted that the criminal case against Vladimir Plahotniuc is political in character and was started by order of those who are now in power.

“We could all see a number of actions of politicians who announced beforehand the decisions that were to be implemented by prosecutors in the case of Vladimir Plahotniuc. All these actions are nothing but an evident attempt to influence justice by public statements and threats and by direct pressure on prosecutors, exerted by those who govern now the Republic of Moldova. We want any trial in our country to take place correctly, impartially and independently from any political influence.”

The Chisinau City Court issued a warrant for the arrest of Vladimir Plahotniuc in his absence on May 22. On May 8, Plahotniuc was charged on three counts: founding of a criminal organization; swindle and money laundering, both in very large amounts. After the indictment ordinance was made, Vladimir Plahotniuc was issued with a summons at his domicile address. The summons wasn’t served. He is reportedly outside the country.