Moldovan Court Considers Extending Detention for Pro-EU Leader Over Fraud

Chisinau’s regional court has started a hearing on extending the arrest of one of Moldova’s Pro-European Coalition leaders on fraud allegations for 30 days, a RIA Novosti correspondent said Sunday.

CHISINAU (Sputnik) — On Thursday, former Moldovan Prime Minister Vlad Filat was stripped of immunity and sent to a 72-hour pre-trial detention over accusations of stealing the equivalent of $1 billion from national banks.

Some 200 local supporters and opponents of the politician gathered near the court building in a peaceful rally.

Earlier, the Moldovan law enforcement obtained proof of Filat’s involvement in the alleged crime during home and office searches. The former Moldovan prime minister denied the charges.