Three witnesses for the defense in the case of ex-Premier Vlad Filat were questioned in a hearing on May 27. These are Liberal-Democratic MP Chiril Lucinschi, ex-director of the bakery complex “Franzeluta” Victor Cojocaru and former deputy secretary general of the Government Eduard Banaruc. The lawyers for the former Premier say witnesses’ statements confirm the innocence of their client, while the state prosecutor asserts the purpose of the questioning of these witnesses is not clear, IPN reports.

After the hearing, Chiril Lucinschi said he was asked about the birthday party given by Vlad Filat in 2013, especially who he saw and who he communicated with there. He was also asked if he saw the mayor of Balti town Ilan Shor at that party and if he talked to this. “Missis Betisor asked me about my relations with Ilan Shor. I told her that I’ve known him since childhood, but we do not communicate now,” stated the MP.

Victor Cojocaru said he was asked with what banks the bakery complex worked when he held the post of director. According to him, “Franzeluta” cooperated with Banca de Economii and Unibank, but took out no loan from Banca de Economii.  Eduard Banaruc stated he was asked about particular events that took place in 2013-2015. He avoided providing other information to the press.

The former Premier’s lawyer Igor Popa said the questioned witnesses declared once again that Vlad Filat bears no blame and didn’t exert influence when particular decisions were taken. Other defense witnesses will be questioned in the next hearings. “We are sure that if these witnesses are not intimidated somehow, they will tell the truth and will prove the innocence of Vlad Filat,” he stated.

State prosecutor Adriana Betisor said she convinced herself that a part of the witnesses do not have what to say in court about the investigated case. “I thought some of them will refuse evidence provided by the prosecution, but it didn’t happen. I didn’t understand their role,” she said.