Romania’s former health minister Nelu Tătaru sent to trial in bribery case
<p>Prosecutors of the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) sent former health minister Nelu Tătaru to trial in the case in which he is accused of taking small-value bribes. According to court records from the High Court of Cassation and Justice, the case was registered on Wednesday, December 11, and is currently under preliminary chamber procedures, <a href="https://www.agerpres.ro/justitie/2024/12/12/fostul-ministru-al-sanatatii-nelu-tataru-trimis-in-judecata-de-dna-pentru-luare-de-mita--1402542" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Agerpres</a> reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The indictment follows <a href="https://www.romania-insider.com/nelu-tataru-bribery-investigation-october-2024" rel="noopener" target="_blank">a previous announcement by the DNA on October 10</a>, revealing that Tătaru, also a member of parliament, had been placed under investigation for a series of bribery offenses. He is accused of committing 57 separate acts of bribery between April 3 and July 12, 2024.</p>

<p>Prosecutors said in their order that Tătaru, in his capacity as a specialist doctor at a hospital, allegedly accepted money and food from 45 individuals, including patients and their relatives, in connection with his medical duties, such as performing surgeries, consulting patients, and issuing prescriptions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bribes allegedly ranged from RON 100 to RON 500 and were given in exchange for the doctor fulfilling his professional responsibilities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nelu Tătaru denied any wrongdoing and said he never&nbsp;conditioned the medical treatment.</p>

<p><i>irina.marica@romania-insider.com</i></p>

<p><i>(Photo source: Inquam Photos/George Calin)</i></p>