Former Communist MP Grigore Petrenco, who heads the political organization “Our Home –Moldova” and who is investigated for public disorder, said the case started against him is political in character and was fabricated by order so as to intimidate the protesters. The politician made such statements in a news conference on June 3, IPN reports.

Grigore Petrenco said the examination of his case is intentionally delayed by the court of law, his civil and political rights being violated. “I don’t know why the judges who try my case become sick in turn. I think the intention is to delay the trial. I’m banned from leaving the area. I cannot travel thorough the country and meet with people as party leader. I received an invitation from the European Parliament. Some of my colleagues who were banned from leaving the place cannot go to work and their right to work is thus violated,” he stated.

The ex-MP also said that the law enforcement bodies refuse to restore the party’s documents and equipment and the work of the party is thus blocked.

Grigore Petrenco denied the accusations made against him and called on the authorities to stop intimidating the protesters. “I’m not guilty. We protested peacefully and sought the prosecutor general’s dismissal. For this, we were held in remand for half a year. I consider all the protesters who are under arrest are political detainees and must be set free. I call upon the authorities to take care not to cause greater revolt by their actions,” he stated. 

Grigore Petrenco and other activists were arrested on September 6, 2015 following a protest with altercations mounted in front of the Prosecutor General’s Office. The protesters demanded to hold accountable politician Vlad Plahotniuc for his wrongdoings. Protesters tried to force their way into the institution, but were prevented by police officers. The police found metallic chains and locks in the rucksacks of those arrested.