Romanian lawmaker named in corruption probe keeps immunity

BUCHAREST, Romania – Romania’s parliament has voted to let a former minister named in a corruption probe keep her parliamentary privilege against prosecution.

Lawmakers opposed lifting the immunity of Rovana Plumb in a 184-99 vote Tuesday.

Plumb resigned as minister for European funds on Oct. 12 together with Sevil Shhaideh, the deputy prime minister. The two are suspected of transferring land near the River Danube to a local council that was then illegally leased to a private company. Both deny wrongdoing.

Plumb, an aide of party chairman Liviu Dragnea, accused anti-corruption prosecutors of trying to “demonize” the ruling Social Democratic Party and overturn results of the 2016 parliamentary election.

Dragnea is ineligible to be prime minister due to a 2016 vote-rigging conviction.