Alleged electoral corruption committed by Raru Maria

In the context of the presidential elections and the constitutional referendum on October 20, 2024, Maria Raru, according to the findings of the court, participated in activities to mobilize and influence the elections in favor of the political party "Victory".

Between July and September 2024, she allegedly distributed 3,000 lei to some female voters from the Cahul district who participated in meetings and activities organized by the party, with the aim of encouraging them to exercise their right to vote in favor of the candidate supported by the party and against the constitutional referendum.

First court: Conviction

The decision concerns the conviction of Maria Raru for electoral corruption, provided for by art. 181¹ para. (1) of the Criminal Code. According to the court, in the context of the presidential elections and the referendum on October 20, 2024, she offered 3,000 lei to some female voters from the Cahul district to persuade them to vote in a certain way.

The prosecution mainly relied on the statements of witnesses given during the criminal investigation, as well as on the objects and documents seized during the search conducted at the defendant's home. Although some witnesses changed their statements in court, the judge attributed greater evidentiary value to the initial statements, considering that they are closer to the time of the events and corroborate with other evidence.

The court found the defendant guilty and imposed a monetary fine of 40,000 lei (800 conventional units). In individualizing the punishment, the absence of prior criminal records, positive character references, and the fact that the crime is less serious were taken into account. The available text of the decision does not indicate the application of any confiscation measures.