Former Moldovan Prime Minister Vlad Filat was released early from prison on parole to the surprise of the country’s leadership on December 4.
President Igor Dodon said he did not expect Filat's release on parole after he had spent 4 1/2 years of his 9-year prison sentence for abuse of office and corruption.
"This decision took me by surprise. Perhaps, it can be explained by some actions of the former government,” Dodon told journalists. “I requested that the Justice Ministry provide information. I will give some of the details following the session of the Supreme Security Council tomorrow."
Filat was released after the Chisinau Court of Appeal reduced his sentence.
He expressed relief upon being let free.
“Please try to understand, I am in a mood…. I will go home and now I will visit my parents, I want to spend time with them. For today, I am sure I will not participate in any TV shows. Try to understand. I will come back later with other comments,” Filat told the Ziarul de Garda newspaper.
A court in Chisinau on June 27, 2016 found Filat guilty on charges related to bribery in a $1 billion bank fraud case.
Aside from abusing office, he was specficially found guilty of taking a $250 million bribe from businessman Ilan Shor, the alleged mastermind of the billion-dollar theft in Moldova's banking system.
Filat was Moldova's prime minister in 2009-2013 and was arrested on October 15, 2015.
He denied any wrongdoing and said the case against him was politically motivated.
RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.
If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.
To find out more, click here.
Editors' Picks
Top Trending
1
At Least 50,000 Russian Military Deaths, Likely Thousands More, Recorded In Ukraine War
2'The Best' For Putin: How The Kremlin Stands To Gain From Iran's Attack On Israel
3Israel Vows Victory, Retaliation In 'Fashion And Timing' Of Its Choosing
4Explainer: The 'Kamikaze' Drones Iran Used To Attack Israel
5Iran's Unprecedented But Choreographed Attack On Israel Underlines Tehran's Limits
6Situation In East Has 'Deteriorated,' Ukrainian Commander Says, As Dry Conditions Aid Russia
7Live Briefing: Russia Invades Ukraine
8Wider Europe Briefing: Kosovo Could Finally Get In The Council Of Europe
9At Least 17 Dead In Ukraine As Zelenskiy Laments Lack Of Air Defenses
10Under Investigation Across Europe, Pro-Kremlin Voice Of Europe Has Deep Balkan Ties
Subscribe