Moldova's justice defied: Shor's bloc meets in Moscow
The participation of convicted Moldovan MP Irina Lozovan at the "Victoria" bloc's congress, held on July 6 in Moscow and organized by fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor, is a clear act of defiance against the Moldovan justice system, asserts security policy expert Andrei
The WatchDog representative told Teleradio-Moldova that the escape of convicted MPs Irina Lozovan and Alexandr Nesterovschi, either to Moscow or the Transnistrian region – allegedly with the support of the Russian Federation's Embassy in Chișinău – is part of Shor's broader strategy. This strategy, he explained, helps expose the true nature of this party, which acts "like a criminal organization."
"Irina Lozovan’s involvement in decision-making and her vote must be considered in the eventual registration of the 'Victoria' bloc or other parties for the next election. We know they also have a significant issue with unreported finances – more than 80% – and their inclusion or exclusion from the electoral list will be a crucial test for the Central Electoral Commission," Curăraru stated.
The expert further stated that this "Victoria" bloc congress, coordinated by the convicted fugitive Ilan Shor from Moscow, conveys "multiple messages, depending on the target audience." In his opinion, for Shor's territorial organization leaders in the Republic of Moldova, the message is that they shouldn't fear potential persecution from the justice system. For everyday citizens, however, the congress represents a direct act of defiance against the rule of law.
"It's evident that the justice system of the Republic of Moldova and its judicial decisions are not respected by Shor's organizations. Individuals close to him can break Moldovan law and either go unsanctioned or be protected by him. At the same time, I don't believe this congress was for the Moldovan electorate. It was another way to confirm loyalty to the Kremlin. That's why they remain in Moscow; that's why even individuals with criminal records from Shor's lists are present," Andrei Curăraru pointed out.
When asked about the appropriate reaction from Chișinău authorities, the WatchDog expert stated that they should officially request the extradition of those convicted individuals who defy Moldovan justice.
"We understand that this won't be easily achieved because Shor's parties hold significant influence and protection from the Kremlin. Transparent public communication is essential so people understand that some parties in the Republic of Moldova do not respect current legislation. And, as a final point, a legal and ethical dilemma arises regarding the participation of these parties in parliamentary elections: should they be accepted, or not?" the security expert asked.
It's worth noting that the fugitive MP Irina Lozovan, who left the Republic of Moldova before her conviction was pronounced, was seen at the "Pobeda" bloc congress, organized by Ilan Shor on July 6 in Moscow. She appears in photos from the event, seated in the front row alongside several people close to Ilan Shor.
MP Irina Lozovan, accused of receiving $30,000 from fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor to bribe the mayor of Ocnița, was sentenced on March 31 of this year to six years in prison. Her colleague, fugitive MP Alexandr Nesterovschi, was also sentenced on March 19 to 12 years in a maximum-security prison. The sentence was pronounced in the absence of the MP, who managed to flee to the Transnistrian region on the night before the court's verdict, allegedly aided by the Russian Federation's Embassy in Chișinău, the Intelligence and Security Service accused at the time.
Both MPs, who left the Bloc of Communists and Socialists and subsequently joined the "Renaissance" Party, affiliated with Ilan Shor, are currently wanted by authorities.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
