Vlad Plahotniuc refused to give statements in the so-called “kuliok” case after authorities brought him to the Supreme Court of Justice of Moldova on February 17.
Journalists tried to ask him what the black bag with a calendar contained when he handed it to Igor Dodon, but Plahotniuc did not answer. His defense team stated that he also chose not to testify during the criminal investigation stage.
“He exercised his right not to give statements, because he has procedural status in another related case,” his lawyer, Lucian Rogac, explained.
The lawyer added that on Monday afternoon he obtained a medical certificate stating that Plahotniuc’s health condition does not allow him to attend court hearings. Rogac said he intended to present the document at the Supreme Court hearing, but the judges did not accept it.
Prosecutor Petru Iarmaliuc said that authorities accuse Plahotniuc of active corruption alongside Serghei Iaralov. He emphasized that the refusal to testify represents a legal right. In his view, the video footage showing the transfer of the black bag supports the accusations.
Former president Igor Dodon faces corruption charges. Prosecutors allege that while serving as head of state, he received from Vlad Plahotniuc and Serghei Iaralov a package that allegedly contained money.