General Gheorghiță Vlad, head of the Army, faces Court of Appeal following DNA accusations
The head of the General Staff of Defence is seeking the return of items seized by investigators, including possibly his mobile phone. This is the first hearing since the criminal investigation was launched.
General Vlad's first court hearing after indictment
General Gheorghiță Vlad, head of the Romanian Army, appeared before the Bucharest Court of Appeal just days after prosecutors from the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) informed him of his suspect status, according to Digi24.
Magistrates examined a request filed by the general immediately following his questioning at DNA headquarters, in which he seeks the return of items seized during searches carried out in the case. Among the objects being sought could be the general's mobile phone, according to available information.
This is the first hearing since the criminal investigation against the head of the General Staff of Defence was launched. The judges are to decide whether items confiscated by prosecutors will be returned to him or whether they remain at the disposal of the investigators to continue their inquiries.
Gheorghiță Vlad is being investigated by the DNA for complicity in usurpation of office. According to prosecutors, the investigation concerns the addition of 20 budgeted places at the National University of Physical Education and Sport, in favour of individuals initially admitted to fee-paying places.
The investigations are ongoing, with investigators continuing to gather evidence to establish all the circumstances in which the decisions at the centre of the corruption case were taken.
In this context, Minister Sorin Grindeanu publicly called for General Vlad to step down from the leadership of the Romanian Army, stating that "Romania cannot afford such uncertainty".
Source: Digi24