PLDM, PDM, PL unanimous in case of recordings broadcast by media

The representatives of the parliamentary groups of the Alliance for European Integration (AEI) have a common position of condemnation of the leaks of information, in the form of recordings of telephone conversations, to the media in the criminal case started against the head of the Main State Tax Inspectorate Nicolae Vicol, but have dissenting opinions as to the authors, goals, and effects of these leaks, Info-Prim Neo reports. The head of the Liberal-Democratic parliamentary group Valeriu Strelet confirmed the authenticity of his telephone conversation with Nicolae Vicol, which was disseminated by the press, but couldn’t pronounce on the authenticity of the other recordings. He, Liberal lawmaker Valeriu Munteanu, and Democratic MP Igor Corman condemned the given leaks. “The fact that the phones of high-ranking officials were tapped is shocking and revolting. It is even more serious that the conversations were leaked to the media and the National Anticorruption Center’s assertions that they don’t know how it happened are fairytales. They did it intentionally so as to provide material for meditation, for pressure,” Valeriu Strelet said in the program “In Depth” on Pro TV channel. He considers that the Center’s employees responsible for keeping investigation materials should be dismissed. Valeriu Munteanu said it is evident that the phones were tapped within the investigation into the case of the Main State Tax Inspectorate head. “I don’t think the information was leaked to the media accidentally. We condemn this and consider that those involved in wiretapping should resign,” he stated. Igor Corman said he wonders if the recordings were made legally and who leaked them to the media. “It’s a nasty thing. I think nobody feels normal now. When I heard about this case, I thought that I also have two mobile phones in my pocket. What about the presumption of innocence? This issue must be clarified as things are rather unpleasant,” he said. On February 18, a number of media outlets received recordings of telephone conversations between Nicolae Vicol and a number of government officials, including Prime Minister Vlad Filat, Valeriu Strelet, and Minister of the Interior Dorin Recean. The discussions concerned economic entities, carrying out of inspections, imposing of fines and other subjects.