Activist Igor Căldare says that Dmitry Chistilin (a political scientist close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was expelled from Moldova to Ukraine, editor’s note) is an appreciated scientist and economist. In a news conference hosted by IPN, Igor Căldare condemned his arrest, saying that a man cannot be judged for his scientific activity, even if his positions are distinct from those of the rulers.
Igor Căldare praised the scientific activity of Dmitry Chistilin and specified that he is the author of over 60 articles published in renowned economic journals. He also said that Chistilin is a religious man, a perfect family man, a person who earns his money honestly.
On October 5, he arrived in Chisinau from where he was to go to a conference in Serbia. On the way to the hotel, however, he was detained. Igor Căldare assumes that Dmitry Chistilin was handed over to the Ukrainian authorities through the Otaci border crossing point. The next day, he spoke with a representative of the General Inspectorate for Migration, who confirmed that Dmitry Chistilin was arrested and deported.
The activist drew a parallel with the expulsion of the Turkish teachers six years ago and reminded that for those actions, the state was condemned by the European Court of Human Rights. The expulsion of a person to a state where this can be subjected to ill-treatment or even killed is unconstitutional, Igor Căldare said.
He also said that the way the Moldovan authorities acted arouses perplexity. “Sixty-eight criminals convicted by the courts of different countries walk unrestrictedly through Moldova, and a scientist, an economist, Chistilin, who has never accused anyone of anything, not to mention urging particular actions that could violate the constitutional order, is arrested and extradited. Why does the Moldovan leadership protect the real criminals and commit illegalities in relation to scientist Chistilin?” Igor Căldare asked rhetorically.
The Ukrainian authorities accuse Chistilin, who also has Ukrainian citizenship, of supporting Russia’s aggression and spreading pro-Russian propaganda in Europe. Chistilin is currently in custody and is accused of treason and justifying Russia’s aggression. He faces life imprisonment and confiscation of his property.
Note: IPN Agency offers the right of reply to persons who consider that they were targeted in the news articles produced based on the statements of the organizers of this press conference, including by facilitating the organization of another press conference under similar conditions.
