Moldova's former PM Filat files appeal contesting his arrest with Appeals Chamber
CHISINAU. Oct 21 (Interfax) - The lawyers for Moldova's former prime minister Vlad Filat, who was arrested in connection with a corruption case, have contested in the Appeals Chamber the decision to put their client in custody.
"The cassation appeal was filed on Tuesday afternoon. In that appeal, we state procedural and other violations that occurred," lawyer Igor Popa told reporters.
He said the Appeals Chamber should give its decision on this case within three days from the day on which the appeal was filed.
According to earlier reports, Filat is accused of "passive, massive corruption" and "gaining from influence and taking large bribes."
Under the Moldovan Criminal Code, Filat could get up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to 200,000 lei ($20,000) and a ban on working in certain positions or engaging in specific activities for a period of 10-15 years if convicted of the charges.
Filat was detained last week in the parliament building for 72 hours after the parliament voted to strip him of his parliamentary immunity.
On October 18, the court ruled to put Filat under arrest for thirty days. The grounds for the charge is the fact that well-known businessman Ilan Shor (the husband of pop singer Jasmine) had confessed to the police to giving Filat some $250 million in bribes since 2011.
After the decision was given, Popa said Filat's lawyers will go to the European Court of Human Rights if the Appeals Chamber keeps Filat under arrest.