Bucharest mayor Ciprian Ciucu appeals judicial control as DNA probes bribery case

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The mayor of Bucharest, Ciprian Ciucu, has lodged an appeal against the judicial control order imposed by prosecutors from the National Anti-corruption Directorate (DNA) on Thursday, as the corruption case against him accelerates. The move comes as journalist Denise Rifai was questioned by DNA investigators on Friday evening in a related case from which Ciucu’s file was separated.
On Thursday, Ciucu was placed under judicial control by the anti-corruption prosecutors, who accuse him of taking bribes. The measure was announced shortly after the mayor was questioned by investigators. On Friday, Rifai arrived at the DNA headquarters in Bucharest for questioning, according to multiple reports published on Friday evening. The journalist’s appearance follows media speculation that she had been named as a suspect or witness in the case involving Ciucu, which she has denied.
The developments follow a pattern of escalating legal pressure on Ciucu, who served as mayor of Sector 6 in Bucharest before becoming general mayor. The DNA’s case centers on allegations of bribery during his time as an elected official. Rifai’s questioning suggests that prosecutors are examining broader connections within the alleged scheme, though no official charges have been filed against her.
President Nicușor Dan commented on the case during a press conference on Friday, noting what he described as a positive shift in transparency. “At last, we no longer have transcripts from files leaked to the press years ago—we used to make justice on television,” he said, referring to past controversies over pre-trial publicity in high-profile corruption cases. Dan declined to comment on the specific allegations against Ciucu, emphasizing that the judiciary must proceed without political interference.
The judicial control imposed on Ciucu restricts his movement and requires him to report regularly to authorities, measures typically used to prevent tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses. The appeal lodged by Ciucu’s legal team signals the next phase in a legal battle that has drawn intense public attention, particularly given his prominent political role.
As the case unfolds, the questioning of Rifai and the appeal against judicial control underscore the complexity of the investigation, which now spans multiple figures and alleged offenses. Prosecutors have yet to present formal charges beyond the bribery accusation against Ciucu, but the legal and political stakes continue to rise.
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