Ex-Interior Minister Gheorghe Papuc and the former General Police Commissar Vladimir Botnari, who were accused by prosecutors of misconduct in office during the April 2009 events, today were cleared of charges by the Centru District Court, Info-Prim Neo reports. Gheorghe Papuc told reporters he was glad to hear the decision. “Finally the venerable court put an end to all the dirt, lies and falsifications which were directed at me. I am glad that this decision has rehabilitated me personally and also the police officers who withstood the stoning by the youth. And I think this is just the beginning”, said Papuc. The former Minister took the occasion of talking to reporters to congratulate the police officers. “Let me extend congratulations on the winter holidays to all those who suffered during the bombardment with stones and now have been forgotten; to all those who were unjustly banished from the law enforcement bodies; to all those who are still working in the police, because I know how hard it is to work there in that destabilizing situation”. Vladimir Botnari said the decision surprised him. “To tell the truth, I was worried. Obviously all that evidence brought by the prosecution was groundless. But I'm glad that justice finally triumphed”, said Botnari. The former Commissar further stated that those truly responsible for the April events should be found and punished. “I know, you know, everybody knows who they are”, said Botnari, without giving details. Criminal proceedings against Botnari and Papuc were started in June 2010.