Vlad Plahotniuc’s defense has submitted over 50 requests in the “Bank Fraud” case, which is on the docket of the Court of Appeal, including one for the recusal of a member of the judging panel. Prosecutors believe that most of the requests are irrelevant, as the court of first instance has already ruled on them, reports IPN.

Another topic addressed in the meeting concerned the defense’s request for Vlad Plahotniuc to be physically present at the hearings, instead of participating via video conference. Lawyer Lucian Rogac believes that the physical presence of the defendant is important for the respect of the right to defense and the right to a fair trial.

Prosecutor Alexandru Cernei clarified that the court has already ruled on the conduct of the sessions, establishing the defendant’s participation via video conference. According to the prosecutor, this method does not prevent Vlad Plahotniuc from making statements in the trial.

Vlad Plahotniuc was sentenced to 19 years in prison in the “Bank Fraud” case. On appeal, the Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office stated that the sentence is too lenient and requested an increase in the penalty to 25 years in prison and a change in the provisions regarding the confiscation of assets, while the defense is calling for the annulment of the conviction and the acquittal of Vlad Plahotniuc.