Shor Party Deputies File Lawsuit in Constitutional Court Over Denied Access to Moldovan Government

Deputies from the Shor Party have filed a lawsuit in the Constitutional Court of Moldova, claiming they have been denied access to the Moldovan government. The move comes amidst ongoing investigations into the party's leader, fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor, and his alleged involvement in voter buying and illegal financing of political activities.

The Anticorruption Prosecutor's Office recently completed a criminal investigation into Evghenia Gutul, the Governor of Gagauzia, who is closely associated with Shor. Prosecutors allege that Gutul was involved in systematically introducing unaccounted financial means to Moldova from an organized criminal group based mainly in Russia. She is also accused of coordinating the activities of territorial offices of the former Shor Party, including the remuneration of participants in anti-government protests.

Gutul was elected governor of the southern pro-Russian region on May 14, 2023, and she and Shor's team have been accused of buying voters during the election. Moldovan authorities have also seized over 20 million lei from Moldovans returning from Moscow, where they had participated in the launch of Shor's new 'Victory' political bloc. The authorities claim the funds were intended for the illegal financing of political formations controlled by Shor.

The interim general prosecutor is examining whether the actions of several politicians who created the 'Victory' bloc were treasonous, as they are believed to threaten the security of the state. Shor, who is currently in exile in Israel, was sentenced in absentia to 15 years in prison by a Moldovan court in April over a $1 billion bank fraud case.

Why this matters: The ongoing political tensions in Moldova highlight the country's struggle to combat corruption and maintain political stability. The allegations against the Shor Party and its associates underscore the influence of foreign actors, particularly Russia, in Moldova's domestic affairs.

The lawsuit filed by the Shor Party deputies in the Constitutional Court adds another layer to the complex political situation in Moldova. As the country continues its efforts to integrate with the European Union, it faces significant challenges in addressing issues of corruption, rule of law, and foreign interference. The outcome of the lawsuit and the ongoing investigations into the Shor Party will likely have significant implications for Moldova's political future and its relations with both Russia and the West.

Key Takeaways

• Shor Party deputies file lawsuit claiming denied access to Moldovan govt.
• Prosecutors allege Gagauzia governor involved in illegal financing of politics.
• Authorities seized $20M from Moldovans returning from Moscow for Shor's bloc.
• Shor, in exile in Israel, sentenced to 15 yrs for $1B bank fraud.
• Tensions highlight Moldova's struggle with corruption, foreign influence.