Romania: 400 prisoners may get parole or shorter sentences under revised criminal code

BUCHAREST, Romania – Romanian prison authorities say some 400 inmates could be in line for parole or more lenient sentences under a revised criminal code.

The National Penitentiaries Administration said Monday that 122 inmates had been released since Saturday, when the code became law, and 176 people are eligible for reduced sentences. Other cases are being analyzed.

In December, Parliament approved amendments to the penal code that critics said would give its members and other elected government officials immunity from corruption charges while in office.

Several former senior politicians, including former Prime Minister Adrian Nastase, are currently serving prison sentences for corruption. Reports say they could be eligible for parole under the new code which also reduces punishments for sex with minors, drunk driving and prostitution.