House commission rejects search request for ex- PM’s house

The Juridical Commission (JC) of the House of Deputies rejected Wednesday the prosecutors’ request to search houses owned by ex-PM Adrian Nastase, with 13 votes against and 11 in favor.

House regulations state that the search request and Juridical Commission’s report are forwarded to the parliamentary group of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), which is to present its position in a written report on the subject within the next five days.

The JC and PSD reports are presented to the Permanent Board and are to be debated upon by the House of Deputies that will cast its judgment within 20 days.

Adrian Nastase complained about not being able to enter his house, under a seal for the moment, and for the major discomfort this action created for his family „that is going through great pressure.”

The former PM, currently speaker of the House of Deputies, said this was a political action. However, the Justice minister denied the allegations explaining that the searches are needed for the progress of the „Zambaccian” graft case.

The Permanent Bureau, headed by the same Adrian Nastase, voted last week the rejection of the search request, despite the obvious conflict of interests.

The Justice minister Sent back the request which was voted upon Wednesday by the Judicial Commission. JC’s decision is advisory, the final decision lies with the House of Deputies.