Former Romanian diplomat Ionescu released from detention in Bucharest
By Claudia Craiu | Posted: 26 November 2010 0747 hrs
Photos1 of 1
Silviu Ionescu (file picture) Twitter Messenger
BUCHAREST: Former Romanian diplomat Silviu Ionescu was released from detention late Thursday night (around 10pm Romanian time, 4am Singapore time).
He had been held in preventive custody at Rahova prison in Bucharest for seven months. His trial began on October 6.
But now Ionescu has been placed under judicial supervision, which means that he cannot leave the country and must show up for his Court dates. His next appearance in Court will be on January 12 next year.
Ionescu is facing charges of homicide, causing physical injuries and making false statements, arising from two hit-and-run accidents in Singapore last December.
The decision on Thursday to release him came after his defence counsel had appealed to a higher tribunal in Bucharest.
The lawyers had previously applied to a Romanian court, which decided against his request when the trial was adjourned on November 17.
But after many attempts to get their client out of prison, they have now finally succeeded.
The tribunal's reason for granting Ionescu's request was not available on Thursday night. It will likely be known on Friday when the Court reopens.
Ionescu cut a relieved figure on Thursday night when he spoke to reporters outside the prison gates, moments after his release.
He said he would continue to prepare his defence because he considered himself innocent.
He was also glad the decision to release him came when it did. He said it was his wife's 50th birthday on Thursday.
And after a brief moment with his lawyers, friends and son Bogdan, the former diplomat headed home.
- CNA/de
:oIo::oIo:
By Claudia Craiu | Posted: 26 November 2010 0747 hrs
Photos1 of 1
Silviu Ionescu (file picture) Twitter Messenger
BUCHAREST: Former Romanian diplomat Silviu Ionescu was released from detention late Thursday night (around 10pm Romanian time, 4am Singapore time).
He had been held in preventive custody at Rahova prison in Bucharest for seven months. His trial began on October 6.
But now Ionescu has been placed under judicial supervision, which means that he cannot leave the country and must show up for his Court dates. His next appearance in Court will be on January 12 next year.
Ionescu is facing charges of homicide, causing physical injuries and making false statements, arising from two hit-and-run accidents in Singapore last December.
The decision on Thursday to release him came after his defence counsel had appealed to a higher tribunal in Bucharest.
The lawyers had previously applied to a Romanian court, which decided against his request when the trial was adjourned on November 17.
But after many attempts to get their client out of prison, they have now finally succeeded.
The tribunal's reason for granting Ionescu's request was not available on Thursday night. It will likely be known on Friday when the Court reopens.
Ionescu cut a relieved figure on Thursday night when he spoke to reporters outside the prison gates, moments after his release.
He said he would continue to prepare his defence because he considered himself innocent.
He was also glad the decision to release him came when it did. He said it was his wife's 50th birthday on Thursday.
And after a brief moment with his lawyers, friends and son Bogdan, the former diplomat headed home.
- CNA/de
:oIo::oIo:
