Romanian Parliament greenlights bill sending drunk drivers guilty of manslaughter to jail

The Romanian Chamber of Deputies has adopted a bill that states that drivers guilty of manslaughter who are found to be drunk and without a driver's license will go directly to prison.

The bill was initiated by PSD Senator Robert Cazanciuc and PNL Senator Daniel Fenechiu, both part of the ruling coalition. The former explained that the law, known as the "Anastasia Law" in memory of the 4-year-old girl who was killed on June 1 in front of her house, is "designed to prevent and limit road tragedies and raise awareness of the punitive consequences of reckless driving."

Specifically, the bill amends Article 91, paragraph (3) of Law No. 286/2009, so that the suspension of the execution of the penalty under supervision cannot be ordered for the offense of manslaughter caused by driving without a license or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.

"Anastasia takes care of our lives beyond death. Highway criminals go to prison. No court in Romania will be able to suspend the sentences of those who kill people on the country's roads while driving drunk, drugged, or without a license. The Anastasia Law (named after the 4-year-old girl killed on June 1, 2022, in front of her house), which we initiated, was voted today by the Chamber of Deputies and will go for approval to the president of Romania," said PSD Senator Robert Cazanciuc, cited by Digi24. He also stated that "too many innocent people have died, too many families have gone through tragedies in recent years."

"It is time to put an end to these tragedies. So far, the existing official statistics show that we are ranked first in Europe in terms of the number of fatal accidents for the sixth consecutive year. The lives of citizens, of people, are valuable in and of themselves, and we, the elected officials, are obliged to defend and protect them through the laws we adopt. The Constitution guarantees the right to life and physical integrity, and we must ensure the respect of this right. The Anastasia Law is designed to prevent and limit road tragedies and raise awareness of the punitive consequences of reckless driving. The vote was almost unanimous! Thanks to all colleagues who voted for this initiative!" Cazanciuc added.

The Chamber of Deputies has adopted the bill as the decision-making body, and the law will now go to the Presidency for approval.

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