Romanian High Council Of Magistrates Rejects Pres Statement

Barbulescu said that the person accused is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

She added that, after media signals she decided to initiate investigations and the results of the investigation was published in August 2007.

"On November 15, 2007, the High Council of the Magistrates notified the Prosecution Office within the High Court of Justice to establish if there are indications regarding the performance of a crime. The results of investigations conducted by the prosecution office have not yet been communicated," Barbulescu said.

According to her, the statement that the person involved initiated the legal action knowing that "judges can be bought," through its non-circumstantial nature, brings serious damage to the name of justice and diminishes public confidence in the act of justice.

Asked if the investigation she requested established if the concerned judge performed any crime, Lidia Barbulescu said the judge ruled in the matter in accordance with the law, observing all procedures.

Romanian president Traian Basescu said on Romanian television station B 1 Tv that the judge who gave businessman Costica Costanda the right to build in an Bucharest eco-relevant green area is corrupt, referring to the situation involving Bordei park.