Moldova: Opposing protesters gather as court hears ex-PM Filat's appeal

Hundreds of supporters and opponents of former Moldovan Prime Minister Vlad Filat gathered outside the Court of Appeal in Chisinau, Friday, as lawyers of the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party appeal against the court decision on his arrest. Supporters of the pro-EU politician and people opposing him held banners and placards either backing or condemning Filat. The two groups were separated by a large police presence in order to avoid confrontation. Filat was arrested last Thursday under a warrant issued by the Moldovan National Anti-Corruption Centre (NAC) after parliament voted to revoke the former leader's immunity from arrest. His pre-trial detention period will expire at 17.15 local time on October 18. If the court does not extend the arrest warrant, Filat will walk free. The former prime minister is implicated in several corruption cases, with many detractors calling for his criminal prosecution following his alleged role in the disappearance of $1.5 billion (€1.35 billion) from three Moldovan banks in November 2014. The court has also accused Filat of accepting a reported $60 million (€52 million) from Dufremol company director Ilan Shor during his premiership.