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Political persecution of ex-President Dodon to lead to split in Moldova — lawmaker

Former Speaker of the Parliament of Moldova Zinaida Greceanii call on the authorities, all political forces to consolidate in order to avoid destabilization

CHISINAU, May 24. /TASS/. Former Speaker of the Parliament of Moldova Zinaida Greceanii warned that national authorities that political persecution of ex-president Igor Dodon will lead to a dangerous split in the society. She said this, commenting on the searches that have been going on for eight hours in the residence and office of the former head of state already.

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Moldovan authorities conduct search of ex-President Dodon’s home

"The situation around our small country is unstable. Political persecution of the ex-president leads to escalation of internal political struggle, a split in the society which we don’t need," Greceanii said during a briefing in Chisinau.

She pointed out that, after the beginning of Russian special military operation in Ukraine, Moldovan President Maia Sandu invited other political parties to dialogue and asked them to reject internal confrontation during this difficult time to ensure stability in the country.

"There are certain external forces that seek to destabilize the situation in the republic. We call on the authorities, all political forces to consolidate in order to avoid this. The authority must not divide the society but instead unite it," Greceanii noted.

Earlier, Moldavian Prosecutor General’s Office spokeswoman Mariana Cherpec told TASS that anti-corruption prosecutors, together with the Security and Intelligence Service, carry out searches at Dodon’s residence within the framework of a criminal case, initiated over suspicion of following crimes: passive corruption, recognition of funding of political party by a criminal group, treason and unlawful enrichment.

Meanwhile, hundreds of supporters and members of the Party of Socialists are protesting at the parliament building, accusing the authorities of pressuring the opposition. According to the Party of Socialists executive secretary, Parliament Deputy Speaker Vlad Batrincea, party members and regional activists receive daily threats. He assured that the party will protect its colleagues and will initiate even larger protests.

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