Vasile Botnari, former SIS director, is responsible for the "abusive expelling of Turkish citizens from the territory of the Republic of Moldova" and must be held accountable for this, said Prime Minister Maia Sandu on Wednesday. At the beginning of the Government meeting, Maia Sandu, said that, from the obtained information, "there is evidence that these abusive decisions were taken by former SIS director Vasile Botnari and by former deputy director Alexandru Baltag", IPN reports.

Answering the journalists' questions, after the government meeting, Maia Sandu said that she could not tell whether a criminal case would be initiated against former SIS director. "I was informed about the activity of some state institutions and the fact that these materials were sent to the Prosecutor's Office. I wanted to say this, so that the citizens know that the ball is now in the court of the Prosecutor's Office and the Prosecutor's Office should not dodge the responsibility”, declared Maia Sandu.

According to the prime minister, criminal proceedings were instituted in this case, the file being sent to Chisinau prosecutor's office. However, there are suspicions that "the prosecutors are not really interested in thoroughly investigating this case." Maia Sandu called on the prosecutor of Chisinau and the Prosecutor General to ensure that this case is investigated with the utmost seriousness, and those involved are sanctioned.

On September 6, will be exactly one year since the Turkish citizens have been expelled from the territory of the Republic of Moldova. Five of the seven Turkish citizens, expelled at Ankara's request, have already been convicted.