Former minister Oprea claims innocence on anti-corruption prosecutors' charges

Gabriel Oprea, leader of the National Union for Romania's Progress (UNPR), vice prime minister in the cabinet of former PM Victor Ponta and ex-minister of home affairs, said on Monday he is innocent on all charges of the National Anti-corruption Directorate (DNA) allegations and that it is the professional obligation of the prosecutors to check any suspicion of law violation. 

"I've learned from the media about the DNA demand referring to the request of commencement of a criminal investigation on me. (...) I have observed Romania's laws and I do observe them further. I consider myself innocent and this will be confirmed sooner or later. I believe it is the prosecutors' professional obligation to verify any suspicions in connection with possible law violations. I've supported justice and the DNA's work all of my political activity. Although today's DNA move aims at me, I will support further these institutions of the Romanian state. I will support the approaches to find the truth, I'll give all necessary information and I won't hamper the investigation," the UNPR leader said in a press conference at his party's seat. 

Oprea added that he will defend all his rights, making use of all the levers and mechanisms available to any Romanian citizen. 

The Chief Prosecutor of the National Anti-corruption Directorate (DNA), Laura Codruta Kovesi, requested on Monday the notification of the Senate about a demand to investigate former Vice Prime Minister for national security and Interior Minister Gabriel Oprea on two counts of abuse of office with the purpose of obtaining undue advantages for himself or for others during his ministerial tenure. 

The offence of abuse of office consists in using the human and material resources of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI) in order to provide, unlawfully, the escorting by road police units of travels made by Oprea, the DNA informed. AGERPRES