Hincesti judge suspended, faces trial

A judge serving at the Hincesti District Court has been suspended after being charged with abuse of authority in pronouncing a decision. The Superior Council of Magistracy approved at its meeting on Tuesday the Anticoruption Prosecutor's Office's request to suspend Sergiu Balaban from his duty for the duration of the investigation, Info-Prim Neo reports. In particular, the judge was accused of pronouncing a decision without actually holding a court sitting and without hearing the parties involved. In his defense, Balaban said he followed all judicial procedures. Speaking before the Superior Council of Magistracy, Balaban asked its members to take into consideration before deciding on a sanction that he had three children and his wife had a second-degree invalidity status. The Council however found that Balaban overstepped his judicial authority and rejected his request not to be suspended. If his case is brought before a court, Balaban will face up to 5 years' imprisonment.