The former Moldovan president Igor Dodon has been placed under house arrest for 30 days, the Chișinău/Ciocana Court ruled.

Prosecutors asked for a detention measure citing the risk that Dodon could abscond from, or hinder the investigation and tamper with evidence. Prosecutor Petru Iarmaliuc said the house arrest measure will be appealed.

Igor Dodon, who denies any wrongdoing, told reporters the case is “politically motivated” and initiated “on President Maia Sandu’s orders”.

A pool of 53 prosecutors and investigating officers is conducting the case, leading Dodon to conclude that “in 30 years since Moldova gained independence, no politician has been persecuted so”. He added that it’s “strange and disgraceful to be stand accused of high treason by someone who has filled the government with foreign advisors”.

As for the illicit enrichment charge, Dodon said he duly submitted his assets declarations and “indicated everything” that he owns.

The former president went on to claim that the case against him is meant to “create pressure” and “distract public opinion” from inflation. Another goal, according to him, is to “destroy the Party of Socialists”.

Outside the courtroom, a crowd of supporters demanded Dodon’s release.

Another group asked that the former president be held accountable.

Meanwhile, Igor Dodon’s brother-in-law has been placed under a 30-day preventive arrest.