Crucial moment in the “August 10” file: the Bucharest Military Court could hand down the sentence on Thursday
The Bucharest Military Court could pronounce on Thursday, June 11, the sentence in the first instance on the “August 10” file, in which several former heads of the Gendarmerie are being tried for the use of force against the protesters in 2018.
The gendarmes' intervention is considered “inhuman” and “degrading” by prosecutors. PHOTO Inquam Photos
The “August 10” file, one of the most controversial cases in recent years, concerns the repression of the demonstration in Piața Victoriei, in which approximately 30,000 people took part.
Prosecutors argue that the intervention of the gendarmes was unjustified and illegal.
The last term, marked by absences
At the last court term, the court should have heard the last word of the defendants, but two of them, along with their lawyers, did not appear in the courtroom, in an attempt to obtain a postponement, according to Agerpres.
The only former official present was Laurentiu Cazan, who stood his ground and insisted his actions in 2018 were correct.
Penalties requested by prosecutors
Prosecutors asked for prison terms for the main defendants. In the case of former bosses Gheorghe Cucoș and Cătălin Sindile, death sentences were requested, while for Laurentiu Cazan a suspended sentence and community service was requested, considering his collaboration during the trial and the fact that some facts are time-barred.
In the same case, 13 other gendarmes were sent to court, accused of abusive behavior or complicity. In the case of seven other cadres, however, the charges were closed due to the statute of limitations.
The protest of August 10, 2018. PHOTO Inquam Photos
Even under these conditions, prosecutors argue that those responsible should pay moral damages to the affected protesters.
2018 interference allegations
According to the investigators, the leadership of the Gendarmerie would have ordered and coordinated the intervention by force on the crowd gathered in Piața Victoriei, using means such as batons, tear gas or grenades with an acoustic effect.
Prosecutors believe the actions were disproportionate and can be classified as treatment “inhuman” and “degrading”.
