The Buiucani District Court today rejected a request submitted by ex-premier Vlad Filat’s lawyers challenging the constitutionality of some criminal procedure provisions.
Lawyer Victor Munteanu told reporters the court’s arguments will be carefully examined before being appealed, as the defense further believes that the challenged provisions need to be brought before the Constitutional Court for interpretation.
In particular, Victor Munteanu said the defense doubts the Buiucani District Court is the one with the right territorial jurisdiction to try Filat, considering that the prosecution was unable to identify the place where the alleged offense had been committed.
The prosecution earlier criticized the move, along with the defense’ request for the reopening of the preliminary hearing over alleged procedural violations, as dilatory tactics.
The former prime minister Vlad Filat is now set to stand trial in a criminal case where he is accused of laundering money in large amounts, a charge related to his first case in which he has already been serving a nine years’ term.