Government accused of blocking Filat’s ECtHR ruling, says PLDM
The leader of the Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova (PLDM) will not be running in the presidential elections this fall. The decision was announced by the political party on August 26.
PLDM accuses the government of blocking the implementation of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) decision regarding Vlad Filat, which it claims would have impeded his participation in the election.
Despite this decision, PLDM reaffirmed its strong commitment to "fight for a democratic and European Moldova," while also criticising the referendum on joining the European Union initiated by President Maia Sandu.
When contacted for a response, Adriana Vlas, spokesperson for the ruling party Action and Solidarity (PAS), stated that PAS does not comment on PLDM's accusations.
At the beginning of June, PLDM nominated former Prime Minister Vlad Filat for the presidency.
In June 2016, Filat was sentenced to 9 years in prison for passive bribery and influence peddling, based on a self-report by fugitive oligarch Ilan Șor, who was also later sentenced for banking fraud. While incarcerated, Filat sought justice from the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), alleging violations of his right to a fair trial.
In 2023, four years after his release from prison, the Court ordered the Chișinău Government to pay Vlad Filat 7,500 euros in moral damages. Filat had originally requested damages four times that amount (30,000 euros).
In 2024, Vlad Filat was acquitted of charges of large-scale money laundering. The ruling was subsequently challenged by anti-corruption prosecutors.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
