Another example of backwards “justice” against right-leaning politicians.
One of Romania’s most flamboyant politicians hasbeen barred from taking his seat in the European Parliament because heis facing a police inquiry.
Gigi Becali, a former shepherd who made a fortune in land deals, is accused of attacking thieves who stole his car.
Judges upheld a travel ban imposed on him while the case is investigated.
Hesays he intends to travel to Brussels to begin his five-year termanyway, and has challenged the Romanian authorities to arrest himthere.
Mr Becali – a devout Christian who owns Romania’s biggest footballclub Steaua Bucharest – got into trouble with the police earlier thisyear when a group thieves stole his car and demanded a ransom for itsreturn.
He initially paid the ransom, but the thieves claimthey were then trapped, roughed up and dumped outside Bucharest by MrBecali’s men.
The thieves took their complaint to the police, and Mr Becali was arrested.