Ionescu to be tried in Romania

[Chewbacca]

http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC10...ried-in-Romania

SINGAPORE - Former Romanian diplomat Silviu Ionescu, who is wanted by the Singapore authorities for two hit-and-run accidents here last December, will be tried in his own country.

 

Romania's General Prosecutor's Office (GPO) said Ionescu, who was arrested by the Romanian authorities in May, has been indicted for homicide. He is also accused of causing physical injuries and making false statements.

 

The date of his trial has not been set and he will remain in custody until then, wire news agency AFP quoted a Romaninan GPO statement as saying.

 

Ionescu, 50, is alleged to have hit three pedestrians in two incidents in December while driving a car belonging to the Romanian Embassy in Singapore.

 

He was then Romania's Charge d'Affaires.

 

One of the victims, a Malaysian, died on Christmas Day while two others suffered injuries.

 

Ionescu, who flew to Romania days after the accident, "did not stop to let pedestrians cross like they were allowed to do by a green light", AFP quoted Romanian prosecutors as saying.

 

"He left the scene of the first crash and drove on to the following crossroad where he again did not stop by a pedestrian crossing and caused another accident," added the prosecutors in Bucharest.

 

Ionescu has publicly denied he was the driver, claiming the car was stolen.

 

According to Romanian prosecutors, the claim "does not conform to reality", reported AFP.

 

In Singapore, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday: "We welcome the announcement by the Romanian Prosecutor's Office that Mr Ionescu will be charged with, among other things, homicide and that he will remain in custody pending trial. It is an important step forward in ensuring that justice is served." ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY S RAMESH

 

Oh, b-------t.

 

 

[GoodCar]

Heaven Got eyes ...:)

[Chewbacca]

Heaven Got eyes ...:)

 

...you think so?

 

I think he's gonna get a slap on his wrist. That's all.

 

[Icedbs]

Heaven Got eyes ...:)

 

I don't think so.

 

I don't trust the judical system of an eastern europe country especially where it involves a high ranking guy.

 

The fact that no date was given and will be just in "custody" already say a lot about how serious the gov. there is looking at this. In "custody" could also mean staying in a comfortable big house as long he doesn't leave the country. Who knows what "custody" means in Romania?

 

The diplomat has already won given the fact that he doesn't have to come back to Singapore even though the crime was committed here. Given that there is no extradition treaty, I am not surprise that the authorities are "happy" with this decision. I mean what other choice do they have except burning bridges with Romania? This is probably the best compromise they could go for.....at least the authorities can say this guy will be prosecuted somehow.

 

if heaven got eyes, he would be standing trial in Singapore.

Edited July 2, 2010 by Icedbs