Fmr Romanian Envoy Files Criminal Suit Against Singapore, Calls For Arrest Warrant Annulment

"The official response of the Romanian Justice Ministry to Singapore authorities was clear in that the arrest warrant cannot be applied because, under the Vienna Convention, I have diplomatic immunity and Romania and Singapore don't have a an extradition treaty," Ionescu said in a press release Sunday, adding Singapore authorities are trying to pressure the Romanian justice system and himself.

He said Singaporean authorities knew the arrest warrant was illegal from the very beginning, which is why they sent Romania the results of their Coroner's inquiry.

"If they were so sure I didn't have immunity, how come they didn't take legal action there instead of accepting the creation of a joint commission to clear whatever aspects of the investigation. (…) I can only deduce that this warrant was issued simply to put pressure on myself and on Romanian authorities," Ionescu said, adding Singaporean authorities' action hurt his personal and international image.

The Singaporean Parliament on Monday will discuss whether Singapore can take legal action against former Romanian diplomat Silviu Ionescu for casting aspersions on the integrity of its judicial system, local newspaper Today reported online Saturday.

Ionescu is wanted to stand trial in Singapore after a coroner's inquiry showed he was driving an embassy car mid-December last year and hit three pedestrians, one of whom died. Ionescu initially reported the embassy car stolen and continues to deny any wrongdoing. He also fled to Romania days after the accident.

Ionescu has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and has dismissed the results of the Singaporean authorities as bogus. He also said recently the Singaporean Government "set him up" and he fears he might be assassinated if he returns to Singapore to stand trial.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singapore asked the Romanian Government to do what it can to persuade Ionescu to return to Singapore to stand trial or investigate and prosecute him under Romanian law.

On February 2, Ionescu was officially placed under criminal investigation by the Romanian General Prosecutors Office for manslaughter, fleeing the scene of an accident and false statements. Ionescu has also been suspended from his diplomatic duties.

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