The Bucharest Court of Appeal has upheld the ban preventing Chisinau Mayor Ion Ceban from entering Romania and the Schengen area, rejecting his latest challenge to suspend the decree.cotidianul.mdcotidianul.md This decision, issued on March 11, 2026, maintains the restrictions after Ceban's initial request for suspension was also denied, solidifying the enforcement of the entry prohibition.cotidianul.mdcotidianul.md

Ceban, a prominent figure in Moldovan politics, contested the ban but lost definitively in the appellate court, as confirmed by multiple reports from Moldovan media outlets. The ruling follows concerns raised by figures like Mihai Isac, who highlighted risks associated with Russian influence linked to Ceban's activities. Similarly, politician Lilian Carp commented on the decision, urging remembrance of Ceban's background amid the upheld restrictions.

In response, Ceban expressed defiance, announcing plans to pursue further legal action up to the "point of surrender" and alleging political motivations behind the court's stance. The ban's continuation underscores ongoing tensions over security measures in the region, with no immediate timeline for additional appeals specified in the judgments.