The European Union is firmly convinced of the importance of ensuring that the cases of banking frauds, which emerged in 2014, are thoroughly and impartially investigated. This includes bringing all those responsible to justice, which so far is not yet the case, the European External Action Service spokesperson Maja Kocijancic says in a comment concerning the conviction of former Prime Minister Vlad Filat.

“At the same time it is crucial that the rights to a fair trial and to a fair and public hearing are respected.
The court proceedings concerning the trial of Mr Filat took place in closed sessions. This has deprived civil society, media and the Moldovan citizens at large from the possibility to follow the trial, which might have shed light on the schemes used for the banking frauds. The EU will continue to highlight the lack of independence of the judiciary and law enforcement agencies in the Republic of Moldova,” says the EEAS spokesperson.

The EU is ready to continue supporting the implementation of reforms which will ensure the independence, effectiveness, transparency and accountability of the judiciary and of the anti-corruption institutions.

Ex-Premier Vlad Filat, who pleaded not guilty, was sentenced to nine years in jail for influence peddling and passive corruption on June 27. The sentence was passed by an ordinary court of law after eight months of remand detention. Vlad Filat was arrested following self-denouncing statements made by the mayor of Orhei town Ilan Shor, who said that he gave US$250 million bribe to the former Premier for particular services.