Guțul and Popan remain behind bars: request for release rejected by Chișinău Court of Appeal

Two months after their conviction, Bashkan Evghenia Guțul and Svetlana Popan, the secretary of the former "Șor" party, are seeking release. However, the Chisinau Court of Appeal rejected their request, which was submitted by their lawyers on Wednesday. Additionally, the judges denied a request for repeated witness hearings and for conducting an economic and financial analysis. The hearing at the Centru Court of Appeal was conducted via videoconference, and the lawyers had also requested that the defendants be physically present in court. This request was also denied by the judges.

Vladimir Plahotniuc misses court again

Former Democratic Party leader Vladimir Plahotniuc continues to refuse to attend court hearings. He did not appear on Wednesday, October 8, at the Chisinau Court based in Buiucani, where the examination of the "bank fraud" case resumed. According to the judges, the court received a notice of refusal and a request signed by Plahotniuc, stating that he requested not to be escorted to the hearing on October 8 because he needed time to familiarize himself with the case materials.

Constantin Țuțu failed to appear in court, citing ‘personal reasons,’ and will be brought in forcibly at the next hearing

Former Democratic MP Constantin Țuțu did not attend the court hearing scheduled for October 8, where he faces charges of illicit enrichment and influence peddling. Additionally, his lawyer was also absent, leading to the hearing being postponed until October 20. Prosecutors have stated that at the next hearing, Constantin Țuțu will be brought to court forcibly and will be represented by a public defender to prevent further delays in the case. Furthermore, the former MP's lawyer will face a fine of 2,000 lei for their unjustified absence.

Andrei Bivol: Only 17% of judges await vetting; process ends by year’s end

The process of evaluating the integrity of judges in the Republic of Moldova, referred to as vetting, has reached its final stage for magistrates. Andrei Bivol, the Vice President of the Judicial Evaluation Commission, mentioned on the Moldova 1 TV show "IN CONTEXT" that approximately 17% of judges in the lower courts will undergo evaluation. He also stated that all assessments of active judges are expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

Electoral corruption in Sângerei: two women fined 40,000 lei each

Two women from the Sângerei district were convicted of electoral corruption related to acts committed during the 2024 fall elections. They offered electoral bribes of 2,400 lei each to some supporters and will now face fines of 40,000 lei each.

Moldova: Court set to confirm new parliament election results

Moldova's Constitutional Court is due next week to confirm the results of the 28 September parliamentary election and validate the mandates of the newly elected MPs.

Plahotniuc detention appeal rejected by Moldovan court

A fresh appeal by former Moldovan Democratic leader Vladimir Plahotniuc to challenge his detention has been rejected by the Centru Court of Appeal.

Țutu detained 30 days for illegal border crossing, bribery attempt

Former MP and athlete Constantin Țuțu was placed in 30-day detention on Saturday, October 4. The preventive measure was ordered by the Chișinău Court in Ciocana, based on charges brought by PCCOCS prosecutors for illegally crossing the border with Ukraine and attempting to bribe a border official.

Moldova: Fugitive ex-MP Constantin Tutu detained at Ukraine border

A former Democratic Party MP, Constantin Țuțu, has been detained at the Vulcănești border crossing point while entering Moldova from Ukraine.

Justice Ministry seeks 1-year suspension of 'Moldova Mare' Party over foreign funding

The activity of the "Moldova Mare" Political Party may be restricted for a period of 12 months. This request was made by the Ministry of Justice to the Central Court of Appeal on Tuesday, September 30. In the meantime, the Ministry, led by Minister Veronica Mihailov-Moraru, has also requested the implementation of precautionary measures until a decision is reached.

Two ex-'Șor' activists sentenced to 5 years; 12.7M lei confiscated

The presidents of the Soroca and Cimișlia territorial organizations of the former "Șor" Party have each been sentenced to five years in prison, to be served in a semi-closed penitentiary. This decision was announced on October 1 by the Chișinău Court based in Buiucani.

Ex-mayor of Băcioi sentenced to 8 more years for corruption, now on the run

The former mayor of Băcioi, a suburb of the capital, was sentenced to an additional eight years in prison for passive corruption. He has also been ordered to pay a fine of 150,000 lei and will be prohibited from holding public office for five years. Vitalie Șalari is currently outside the Republic of Moldova and is being tried in absentia.