The first convictions in the Cluj electoral fraud case were made on Friday (June 21) according to reports in the local media. The court in Cluj sentenced eight people to a one year suspended prison sentence for electoral fraud and multiple voting in the referendum on whether to indict the President Traian Basescu last year.

Friday's ruling is not final and the defendants can challenge the decision in the court of appeal. Back in December 2012, the prosecution opened a case against Samson Dumitru, Nica Tudorel, Bitu Constantin Sebastian, Magureanu Bogdan Cristian, Hanzi Nicusor Stefan, Niculae Nicholas Vitto, Chiras Gigi Daniel, Hoca Daniel, Hoca Marius and Hoca Petre. Samson Dumitru is the stepson of the Defense Minister Corneliu Dobritoiu.

The group plotted to influence the voting and attempted to buy votes with gifts of money, food and drinks, targeting the poorer areas of Cluj. According to the prosecution, Hanzi Nicusor Stefan promised and later provided RON 14,000 (some EUR 3,100) to buy votes and RON 1,500 worth (around EUR 330) of food and drink was handed out in the Pata Rat district.

Further announcements on the case are expected to be made on June 25.

editor@romania-insider.com

photo source: sxc.hu