Minister of Agriculture Eduard Grama, who was arrested on passive corruption charges, was placed under house arrest for 30 days. The decision was taken on March 17 by the Buiucani Court, which accepted the prosecutor’s request, IPN reports.

Petru Balan, lawyer for Eduard Grama, after the decision was pronounced said this is unfounded and will be challenged. “The prosecutors’ request to place him under house arrest was accepted. There wasn’t presented evidence to prove the accusations. The release under judicial control would have been enough,” stated Petru Balan.

Dorin Compan, prosecutor who deals with this case, said Eduard Grama is accused of passive corruption of considerable proportions, to the value of 200,000 lei.

Eduard Grama is suspected of contributing to the attempt to sell 30 hectares of farmland in Stauceni commune, which belonged to the College of Winegrowing and Winemaking.

Prime Minister Pavel Filip requested President Igor Dodon to dismiss Eduard Grama from the post of minister after the latter tendered his resignation.