The delay in the investigation of the case featuring Igor Dodon only advantages the ex-President, said representatives of Moldovan civil society. According to them, the accusations made against him are very serious and the privileges enjoyed by him cannot be understood. The statements were made after former President Dodon gave an interview for the Russian press while under house arrest. Political commentators say the Russian propaganda has expanded in Moldova and this phenomenon can intensify together with the military developments in Ukraine, IPN reports.
Expert of the Institute for Development and Social Initiatives “Viitorul” Igor Munteanu said the timid actions with respect to Igor Dodon are unconceivable after the ex-President was accused of treason, illegal financing of the party by a criminal group, passive corruption and unjust enrichment.
“Igor Dodon is a declared pro-Kremlin politician and he never hid this. He is a firm opponent of the West, of Romania and the national interests. What Dodon said in the last interview is the same rhetoric of the pro-Russian groups. These groups probably received money from the Russian Federation and this good relationship with Russia is perhaps based on illegal financing from offshore areas. The accusations made against Igor Dodon are very serious. The four counts are among the most serious offenses stipulated in the Penal Code for which all the citizens should answer before the law. That’s why I cannot understand this negligence in the implementation of the restrictions against Igor Dodon and why things remain stagnant. The absence of a court judgment will make the citizens wonder why this long trial is needed if it brings only benefits to Igor Dodon,” Igor Munteanu stated in the program “Emphasis on Today” on TVR Moldova channel.
For his part, political commentator Nicolae Negru said that even if the law on the security of the information space, which bans the broadcasting of Russian news and debate programs, took effect, the Russian propaganda is powerfully felt in Moldova.
“The Russian propaganda has different ways for entering the Republic of Moldova. The PSRM and Igor Dodon continue to run a media empire, as Ilan Șor does. I’ve got the impression that their media holdings are larger than the independent press. The danger to the Republic of Moldova is twice greater now. We have a war in Ukraine on whose denouement we depend. Owing to the war, we have high inflation and the justified dissatisfaction of the population. This dissatisfaction can be exploited against the Republic of Moldova, for diversionist purposes. If SIS and other state institutions do not do their job, the dangers increase exponentially,” stated Nicolae Negru.
On Tuesday, the Ciocana Court was to take a decision as regards the extension of the house arrest for Igor Dodon, but the hearing was postponed until Wednesday. The prosecutors requested to ban the ex-President, who is under house arrest, from giving interviews and posting messages on social media about the case featuring him.
