Romanian President Fined for Calling Some Politicians 'Criminals'

Romania's Anti-Discrimination Council on Wednesday fined the country's centre-right President, Klaus Iohannis, for calling politicians investigated for corruption "criminals" in a speech defending anti-graft institutions and prosecutors.

"The term 'criminal' that the President used in his speech exceeds the limits of free speech," a press release issued by the council stated.

An NGO filed the complaint against the President, and against Laura Codruta Kovesi, head of the National Anti-Corruption Directorate, who had described attacks on anti-corruption institutions as "a festival of the indicted".

The council fined Iohannis 2,000 RON, which is equivalent to about 500 euros.

Iohannis said on Wednesday that he believed the decision to fine him was political, and he would file his own lawsuit with the Anti-Discrimination Council.

The President and the ruling Social Democrat Party leadership have been at loggerheads during the past year over attempts by the parliament and government to relax anti-graft legislation.  

Several ruling party leaders, including party chief Liviu Dragnea, have been indicted or sentenced for corruption over the past four years.

Read more:

Romania PM Escapes Censure in Autism Comment Row

Romanian Website Fined For Insulting Party Leader