Romania’s former foreign minister Adrian Severin jailed for four years
Adrian Severin, a Romanian former MEP and Foreign Minister, will serve four years in prison for influence peddling and bribery. The final decision was announced on Wednesday by the High Court for Cassation and Justice (ICCJ – Supreme Court). Severin is to be imprisoned. The ruling is final.
The last hearings in the file were conducted on Monday. Severin told the judges that the lawsuit is a political one.
“The recording was submitted to the Prosecutor’s Office without authenticity, the journalists have admitted it was ‘accidentally’ altered. I could have made the deal and it was no problem to get a sentence on parole. I cannot cooperate after 25 years during which I made so much for this country. I am the poorest politician in Romania. I’ve sacrificed my family, my friends. I can’t cooperate with the idea that Romania has sent a thief in one of the most important offices. I defended some people’s rights, how can I tell them who defended their rights? Please, assume this responsibility, I can’t do it. This is a historic lawsuit and a political lawsuit. Please take this into consideration,” Severin told the judges.
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