Prosecutor in case of Papuc and Botnari asks banning hearing recording

The journalists will not be able to record the hearings where witnesses in the case concerning the April 2009 events that involves Generals Gheorghe Papuc and Vladimir Botnar will give evidence. The request was made by Prosecutor Sergiu Rosu on September 14, Info-Prim Neo reports. The prosecutor argued that the witnesses can familiarize themselves with the depositions made by other witnesses through the mass media. The defendants - Gheorghe Papuc and Vladimir Botnari - and their lawyers shared this opinion. After deliberation, judge Ion Busuioc, of the Centru District Court, accepted the prosecutor's request. Thus, the journalists will be allowed only to take pictures at the start of the hearing. On September 13, Sergiu Rosu asked banning the reporters from entering the courtroom as they can reveal secret information. Judge Ion Busuioc rejected this proposal, saying it is groundless. Today, the hearing started with a delay of 40 minutes as Vladimir Botnari's lawyer Gheorghe Avornic was late. He said he will explain his delay in written form. The hearing continues with the hearing of evidence.