Law enforcement authorities in the Republic of Moldova detained Mihai Paciu, vice-president of Orhei District, for 72 hours on April 14. Investigators accuse him of kidnapping, assault, and coercion under threat with a weapon, acts allegedly committed on March 31.
Cristina Ababii, spokesperson for the National Police of the Republic of Moldova, confirmed for Realitatea the information and stated that authorities continue investigations to establish all circumstances of the case.
The Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova claims the case represents political pressure. In a statement, the party accused the Party of Action and Solidarity of orchestrating the case in the context of the upcoming local elections in Orhei scheduled for May 17.
“Such actions demonstrate the emergence of a dangerous practice in which law enforcement bodies are used as instruments of political struggle,” the PSRM stated.
In response for Realitatea, Adriana Vlas said that authorities must handle the case according to the law. “Law enforcement bodies must investigate the case. Everyone is equal before the law,” she commented.