the story provided by the romanian diplomat can't hold water. they claimed they park their car along farrer road in the middle of the night, where it was stolen. later it was involved in a hit-and-run in bt panjang.
you park your car in the middle of farrer road at 2.30am? and suay suay it get stolen...
is it that simple, or has diplomacy got intertwined with crime and punishment again?
there there!
the romanian fella has already left the country while investigations are pending.
in other cases occuring in other countries, diplomats would end up get prosecuted in such cases due to fatality.
I wonder abt tis case
Originally posted by sbst275:in other cases occuring in other countries, diplomats would end up get prosecuted in such cases due to fatality.
I wonder abt tis case
no, in other countries, diplomats wouldn't have been prosecuted either. but the government has to be accountable to the victims by identifying the culprit at least.
Originally posted by sir_peanuts:
no, in other countries, diplomats wouldn't have been prosecuted either. but the government has to be accountable to the victims by identifying the culprit at least.
it actually occured, read today's papers
usually it's because e accident turns fatal
Diplomat immunity is only applicable when they are discharging their duties otherwise they have to follow the laws of the host country. I do not see how driving at such a high speed in the middle of the night at Bukit Panjang is part of discharging his diplomacy duties.
The New Paper report today has left some clues that seems to point that Dr Ionescu is the culprit identified by eye witnesses when it says that the eye witness is SURPRISED to see the picture of Dr Ionescu the next day when the car was found. Seems that the 2 eye witnesses have pointed out the culprit definitely but reeling in the culprit seems to be slow.
It will not be easy because if Dr Ionescu is indeed the culprit, Romania is going to use all diplomacy means to get him off the hook or the worst case, to get him tried in Romania instead. But I think our government has to be strong over this. Or else it is just sending a wrong signal to the common people.
Diplomat a suspect
THE Romanian diplomat who claimed that his embassy car was stolen at the time it was involved in a hit-and-run accident a fortnight ago is now a suspect in the case.
Dr Silviu Ionescu, the charge d'affaires of the Romanian Embassy in Singapore, has not been ruled out as the person behind the wheel of the Audi car in the early morning hit-and-run.
One of the three men who was hit in the Bukit Panjang accident has died.
In response to queries on Dr Ionescu on Tuesday, the police would only say they had 'not ruled out any suspect surfaced in the course of our investigations'.
Investigations were still under way with officers 'following up on all available leads'. The police had earlier written to the embassy asking for more details on the accident.
Checks by The Straits Times revealed that Dr Ionescu left the country sometime last week. Attempts to reach him on his Singapore mobile have been unsuccessful.
--ST
hope it wouldnt become no picture no sound after a while...
the problem is not whether the diplomat can be prosecuted.
it's about how willing the govt is in being accountable and fair.
An online petition is created to request for immediate actions by the Romanian government.
http://www.petitiononline.com/romsgacc/petition.html
New evidence surfaces
FRESH evidence has surfaced to put the Romanian embassy's charge d'affaires in the Sungei Kadut area where the embassy's car - which was involved in a fatal hit-and-run accident - was found abandoned later that morning.
A cabby yesterday told The Straits Times that he had picked up Dr Silviu Ionescu, the highest ranking Romanian embassy official in Singapore, at 3am-3.30am on Dec 15 in the Sungei Kadut area, after Dr Ionescu had flagged him down.
The industrial area is about 5km from Bukit Panjang, where the embassy's Audi A6 car hit three pedestrians at about 3.10am. One victim, who suffered severe brain damage, has since died.
The taxi driver who picked up Dr Ionescu told The Straits Times he had seen a Caucasian man wearing a jacket at the junction of Sungei Kadut Avenue and Woodlands Road and had slowed to a halt. He later told the police that his passenger was Dr Ionescu.
Upon entering the cab, Dr Ionescu told the driver to head to Bukit Timah. But when they reached Bukit Timah, the cabby was told to head to Cluny Park Road.
About 10 minutes into the cab ride, Dr Ionescu asked the cabby how he could contact the police. The cabby said he told him to call 999.
The cabby, who wanted to be known only as Mr Neo, said Dr Ionescu then called the police and said his car had gone missing. He then made another call, which Mr Neo said was in a foreign language. Mr Neo said he was unable to smell any alcohol on Dr Ionescu's breath.
--ST
Romanian diplomat to return Singapore?
The Romanian embassy's charge d'affaires, suspected to be involved in a
tragic hit-and-run accident, could be back to his post in Singapore in
late January.
Dr Silviu Ionescu told a Romanian news website that he returned to
Bucharest after the incident for some medical examinations which had
been scheduled in advance.
The 49-year-old diplomat also stressed he had no connection with the
accident, and hopes the perpetrator is found as soon as possible.
On 15th December, the embassy's car -- a black Audi A6, hit three pedestrians at about 3.10 am.
One victim, who suffered severe brain damage, has since died on Christmas day.
Dr Ionescu had reported to the police that his vehicle was stolen.
Police said investigations are still on-going and would not rule out any suspect in the course of its investigations.
--938Live
Originally posted by gasband:Diplomat immunity is only applicable when they are discharging their duties otherwise they have to follow the laws of the host country. I do not see how driving at such a high speed in the middle of the night at Bukit Panjang is part of discharging his diplomacy duties.
The New Paper report today has left some clues that seems to point that Dr Ionescu is the culprit identified by eye witnesses when it says that the eye witness is SURPRISED to see the picture of Dr Ionescu the next day when the car was found. Seems that the 2 eye witnesses have pointed out the culprit definitely but reeling in the culprit seems to be slow.
It will not be easy because if Dr Ionescu is indeed the culprit, Romania is going to use all diplomacy means to get him off the hook or the worst case, to get him tried in Romania instead. But I think our government has to be strong over this. Or else it is just sending a wrong signal to the common people.
In that case we should just send our armed forces into Romania and get Dr Ionescu back to Singapore by force. Can show all the other countries Singapore isn't one to be punked with also.
Originally posted by annoy-you-must:In that case we should just send our armed forces into Romania and get Dr Ionescu back to Singapore by force. Can show all the other countries Singapore isn't one to be punked with also.
u watch too much tv ar?? but it will be good to see which style singapore will take if they really do it..
1) US
2) Israel
3) Colombia
Originally posted by annoy-you-must:In that case we should just send our armed forces into Romania and get Dr Ionescu back to Singapore by force. Can show all the other countries Singapore isn't one to be punked with also.
This it not the way to do things !!!
why bring back - on the spot finish him off there !!!
George Yeo stresses due process in resolving hit-and-run case
SINGAPORE: Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo has stressed the need for due process in resolving the hit-and-run accident at Bukit Panjang last year, where Romanian diplomat Dr Silviu Ionescu remains a suspect.
Mr Yeo is the first Singapore minister to speak on the issue.
He said the Romanian embassy is helping the police, and investigations are ongoing.
On December 15, the embassy's car - a black Audi A6 - hit three pedestrians at about 3.10am.
One of the victims, 30-year-old Tong Kok Wai, suffered brain damage and
died on Christmas day, while the other two suffered injuries.
Dr Ionescu had reported to the police that his vehicle was stolen.
The diplomat is currently in Romania.
"What happened was very bad, a man was killed, people were
injured," said Mr Yeo. "The police are pursuing the matter very
thoroughly but investigations are still ongoing and I should not be
commenting on them. Let's take this one step at a time, there must be
due process in such matters."
- CNA/yb
Originally posted by storywolf:
This it not the way to do things !!!
why bring back - on the spot finish him off there !!!
i see i see.. u like the Israel style
Identities of witnesses estabilised
The identities of relevant parties, including witnesses in the
hit-and-run accidents involving the Romanian diplomat, Dr Silviu
Ionescu have been established.
Responding to media queries on the high profile incident, the Police
indicated they are currently ascertaining the accuracy of all
information given.
Even though the accident happened more than two weeks ago, the Police
explained that investigations must always be conducted with
professional thoroughness and meticulous care.
This is to ensure the colloection of all pertinent evidence.
While the Police understand the natural interest the public may have on
this case, it stressed against making any premature or inappropriate
comments or disclosures when a case is under active investigation.
The Police reminds this rule applies to all cases under investigation.
Results of the investigation will be forwarded to Attorney General's
Chambers for consultation on the appropriate course of action to be
taken.
--938Live
Romanian Prosecutor's Office to investigate hit-and-run case
SINGAPORE: Romania's Foreign Ministry has asked its country's Prosecutor's Office to investigate the Bukit Panjang hit-and-run accident, which has alleged links to Dr Silviu Ionescu, the charge d'affaires of its embassy in Singapore. It has also recalled the Romanian diplomat from his post.
A statement posted on the ministry's website on Wednesday said
this is to allow for a "full and fair investigation of the case". The
ministry added it has roped in its Prosecutor's Office following an
"internal investigation".
The investigation led to the conclusion that "from the point of
view of legal procedures and international regulations, the MFA has
neither the competences nor the means to identify the author, the cause
and the circumstances of the accident, all such aspects pertaining to
penal procedure".
It added the ministry has also provided the Prosecutor's Office with all the information gathered on the case.
"The MFA is committed to a rapid clarification of, and gives its
entire support to, solving this case, keeping a permanent contact with
the Romanian Prosecutor's Office and the authorities of Singapore," the
statement said.
Both Romania and Singapore are parties of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations.
The Convention states that "a diplomatic agent shall enjoy immunity
from the criminal jurisdiction of the receiving state... the immunity
of a diplomatic agent from the jurisdiction of the receiving state does
not exempt him from the jurisdiction of the sending state".
This means the penal investigation of a case in which a diplomat is
involved in the receiving state, takes place in the state where he
holds citizenship.
On December 15, a car belonging to the Romanian embassy in Singapore – a black Audi A6 – hit three pedestrians at about 3.10am.
One victim, 30-year-old Tong Kok Wai, suffered brain damage and died on Christmas Day. The other two suffered injuries.
Dr Ionescu, who is currently in Romania, had reported to the police that his vehicle was stolen.
- CNA/so
"i see i see.. u like the Israel style"
Like the manner in which the Israelis disposed of the perpetrators of the Munich massacre?
Source: The Straits Times
Senior
State Counsel Lau Wing Yum said said extensive police investigations
showed that the car was not stolen and that Dr Ionescu was behind the
wheel at the time of the two accidents.
Dr Ionescu flew back to Romania three days later. He has since been recalled by the Romanian government.
But Mr Lau said his whereabouts is not known. He added that the Singapore police are in contact with Interpol Bucharest.
Mr
Tong's next of kin is being represented by KhattarWong while Hoh Law
Corporation is holding a watching brief for Mr Bong, who has since
returned to Kuching for rehabilitation due to severe head and bodily
injuries.
The Romanian economic counsellor and acting charge
d'affaires, Mr Alexandru Nicolae Coseru turned was present at the
mention as well.
At least 35 witnesses will be called at a
coroner's inquiry into the death of a hotel assistant manager who was
run over by a Romanian diplomat's car in December.
The inquiry into the death of Malaysian Tong Kok Wai, 30, a Singapore permanent resident, will be held from March 3 to 10.
Mr Tong died on Christmas Day - 10 days after a hit-and-run accident at Bukit Panjang - after he was taken off life support.
The
newly-wed and Malaysian waiter Bong Hwee Haw, 24, were walking on the
pedestrian crossing at the junction of Bukit Panjang Road and Bangkit
Road at about 3.10am on Dec 15 when they were hit by an embassy car.
The car sped off and hit an 18-year-old student at the next controlled
junction.
Principal Senior State Counsel Lau Wing Yum revealed
this in court on Wednesday while giving a brief summary of what
happened that fateful day.
He said the Romanian charge
d'affaires, Dr Silviu Ionescu, 49, reported the loss of his car at
3.40am that day. The car, with its front windscreen smashed and bonnet
dented, was found locked and abandoned at Sungei Kadut Avenue later
that day.
Romanian diplomat involved in hit-and-run accident suspended
The Romanian diplomat who is a suspect in a fatal hit-and-run accident
in Singapore, has been suspended from his duties by his country's
foreign affairs ministry.
The Romanian Foreign Affairs Ministry made the announcement was this morning.
This comes after reports that say Dr Silviu Ionescu was charged with manslaughter by Romanian authorities yesterday.
Romanian media reports say Dr Ionescu faces three charges for manslaughter, fleeing the scene, and giving false statements.
The Romanian embassy here tells MediaCorp that the suspension will hold until criminal investigations are complete.
Singapore Police have said that on the 15th of December last year, an
embassy car, driven by Dr Ionescu, hit three pedestrians in Bukit
Panjang.
One of them later died.
Separately, the coroner's inquiry will begin in Singapore early next month.
--938Live
MFA summons envoy
SINGAPORE on Thursday summoned the Romanian ambassador to the Republic to demand a series of actions in the wake of a hit-and-run accident last December involving an embassy staffer.
Responding to media queries, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman said MFA is seeking the return of Dr Silvio Ionescu for the coroner's inquiry on March 10 into the death of Mr Tong Kok Wai, one of the two victims of the Dec 15 accident. Dr Ionescu, who had earlier claimed the car involved in the accident was stolen, has been identified as a suspect in the case.
Romanian Ambassador Aurelian Neagu, who is based in Tokyo, was told by the Singapore MFA that the accident 'is of the highest concern to the Singapore Government. MFA also reiterated that it was most important that the Romanian Embassy cooperate fully with the Singapore authorities' on this.
MFA explained to Mr Neagu that the coroner's inquiry is not a trial, but a fact-finding inquiry to establish the facts where there has been an unnatural death. 'MFA handed Ambassador Neagu a diplomatic note seeking the Romanian Embassy's assistance in requesting Dr Ionescu to return to Singapore to attend the Coroner's Inquiry,' said the spokesman.
Referring to Romanian media reports that Dr Ionescu was still maintaining that the car had been stolen and that he was not the driver at the time of the two accidents, MFA pointed out that if Dr Ionescu was maintaining that he was not responsible, it was all the more reason why he should come back to Singapore to give his version at the Coroner's Inquiry. This will help the State Coroner to ascertain the facts relating to the two accidents.
MFA also pointed out to Mr Neagu that Dr Ionescu was welcome to engage a local lawyer to examine the witnesses and put forth his version of the events at the Inquiry. Alternatively, the Romanian Embassy could engage a local lawyer on Dr Ionescu's behalf.
Noting media reports of Dr Ionescu's claim in a recent Romanian television interview that there was a witness who could exonerate him, MFA asked the Romanian Embassy to request Dr Ionescu to give the Singapore authorities details concerning the identity of this witness. The witness can then be required to give evidence at the coroner's inquiry, said the MFA spokesman.
--ST