Romania: High Court Sentences Minister in Election Fraud Case

22:48, May 18, 2015

A Romanian court has convicted Regional Development Minister Liviu Dragnea of electoral fraud, making him the latest casualty of Romania's ongoing crackdown on corruption.

Dragnea, a high-powered figure in Romanian politics, also resigned from his position as executive chairman of the ruling Social Democratic Party (PSD), reports Balkan Insight.

Prosecutors said Dragnea had mounted a campaign to increase voter turnout using bribery in the run-up to a 2012 referendum to impeach former president Traian Basescu, a political rival.

The referendum drew concern from the international community. Romania's judicial system is under close watch by the European Union.

74 others allegedly aided Dragnea's efforts by stuffing ballot boxes to increase the number of votes, but the referendum ultimately failed due to low turnout.  Read more... (377 words)

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