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Moldova’s ex-president Dodon released from house arrest — court ruling

Igor Dodon was detained in late May on charges of high treason, illicit enrichments, corruption, and illegal financing of his party

CHISINAU, November 18. /TASS/. Moldova’s former President Igor Dodon has been released from house arrest, according to Friday’s ruling of the Moldovan Supreme Court of Justice.

"To turn down the prosecution’s request for keeping Igor Dodon under house arrest. At the same time, he will stay under judicial control for 60 days. During this period, he is banned from leaving the country," judges read out the court verdict.

The court session was aired live on the Court’s Telegram channel.

"It is the first victory - the court ruled to release me from house arrest where I have been staying for six months. But we will continue our struggle - we do have something to fight for," Dodon told his supporters who picketed the court building. He thanked them, his family and friends for their support.

Dodon was detained in late May on charges of high treason, illicit enrichments, corruption, and illegal financing of his party. According to his attorneys, eight criminal cases were opened and three of them have been referred to courts. Dodon’s defense lawyers insist on an open trial.

The former president said he had exculpatory evidence. He claims that the country’ incumbent president, Maia Sandu, and the pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity are behind his arrest. Dodon vacated the presidential office and came at the head of the Moldovan-Russian Business Union after his Party of Socialists were defeated at the 2021 elections.

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