Lawyers say prosecutor Adriana Betisor distorted the statements of ex-Prime Minister Vlad Filat, repeatedly violating the presumption of innocence. The defense said Filat didn’t admit that he received money from businessman Ilan Shor, as the prosecutor asserted in a news conference on December 23, IPN reports.

In a press release, the lawyers express their regret and concern about the fact that the bodies that represent the state prosecution decided to continue televised justice instead of concentrating their efforts on finding the objective truth in this case.
 
As to the sending of the case of Vlad Filat to court, the defense says both the ex-Premier and the lawyers were informed about the completion of the investigation only on December 22. Thus, the defendant and the lawyers were deprived of the time and arguments needed to prepare an effective defense. After the defense receives the materials, it has the right to make requests that the prosecutors should satisfy before the case is sent to court.

The lawyers also said that in the news conference the prosecutor presented particular allegations and accusations as substantiated facts, misleading the people about Vlad Filat’s guiltiness.

Prosecutor Adriana Betisor told a news conference that the case of ex-Prime Minister Vlad Filat was sent to court and the defendant was charged with taking 800 million lei brbe. According to the prosecutor, Vlad Filat admitted that he received this money from businessman Ilan Shor, but not as bribe, but as presents.

Vlad Filat was arrested in October on charges of passive corruption and influence peddling. If he is found guilty, the ex-Premier will serve 7 to 15 years in jail and will be banned from holding particular public posts.