Former Moldovan president released, vows new protests

FILE PHOTO: Moldova's former President Igor Dodon, detained on corruption charges, is escorted by law enforcement officers before a court hearing in Chisinau, Moldova May 26, 2022. REUTERS/Vladislav Culiomza

CHISINAU (Reuters) - Former Moldovan President Igor Dodon, who faces a series of criminal charges, was released from house arrest on Friday and vowed to take part in protests against the ex-Soviet state's current pro-Western leader.

"I intend to go into the different regions and villages to talk to people, just as I did before," Dodon, seen as being close to Moscow during his four years in power, told reporters after a court lifted a house arrest order.