Igor Dodon trial resumes in Moldova corruption case

Court proceedings have resumed in the ‘Black Bag’ case involving former President Igor Dodon after a two-month hiatus. Dodon is facing charges of passive corruption and accepting party funding from a criminal organization.

Prosecutors have introduced new evidence, including a video recording from a 2019 press conference held by Vladimir Plahotniuc. In the recording, the former leader of the Democratic Party of Moldova reportedly confirms personal meetings with Dodon to negotiate a coalition between the Democratic Party and the Party of Socialists.

Dodon’s legal team is contesting the legality of the proceedings, arguing that the Supreme Court of Justice should not be directly examining the case. The defense maintains that the court’s refusal to address certain procedural requests was illegal. Dodon has also challenged the constitutionality of the trial, asserting that the case should not be handled in this manner as he was no longer the sitting president when the case was transferred to court.