The lawyers for the suspended mayor of Chisinau Dorin Chirtoaca in the November 9 hearing asked to replace judge in charge of this case Alexandru Negru. After examining the request, the judge of inquiry rejected it, IPN reports.

Dorin Chirtoaca told the press that the request to replace the judge was made as a result of new circumstances. Several years ago, Negru had to leave his post at a municipal enterprise where he worked as legal consultant as it was found out that he also had the license of lawyer. The law on advocacy does not allow working as a jurist and as a lawyer in parallel. There is a risk that Alexandru Negru will take revenge for being caught red-handed as he had to tender his resignation.

The request was rejected. Prosecutor Victoria Furtuna said the decision was legal and reasonable. According to her, Alexandru Negru and Dorin Chirtoaca had no contractual tie. Also, Negru resigned on his own initiative.

Dorin Chirtoaca was arrested on charges of passive corruption and influence peddling in the case of pay parking lots in Chisinau on May 25 this year. He is now under house arrest. He pleads not guilty.