Moldova's appeals court bars pro-Russia party from elections
The court ruled Thursday against Patria, led by Renato Usatii
CHISINAU, Moldova (AP) -- Moldova s Appeals Court has ruled that a pro-Russian party cannot compete in Sunday s parliamentary elections on the grounds it is illegally funded from abroad.
The court ruled Thursday against Patria, led by Renato Usatii, who does business with Russia s state railways. The ruling can be contested at the Supreme Court.
This week, recordings emerged where Usatii appeared to say that he represented Russia s business interests in Moldova.
Usatii, who opposes Moldova joining the European Union and accuses the government of corruption, confirmed the tape was authentic but said he was game-playing in the conversation. He denies he receives funding from abroad and says the case is politically motivated.
His party is polling up to 13 percent in surveys. Pro-European parties are ahead of parties that favor closer links to Russia.
