Update2: Former PM Ponta – Liviu Dragnea, George Maior and Laura Codruta Kovesi pictured. Who took the photo? PSD leader replies

Former Prime Minister, Victor Ponta, has posted on his Facebook page a photo with PSD leader, Liviu Dragnea, together with former Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI) chief George Maior. In the background can be seen the former National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) chief prosecutor, Laura Codruta Kovesi, dismissed from office following a Constitutional Court decision after a procedure launched by Justice Minister Tudorel Toader, digi24.ro informs.

The photo is released in the context in which Maior and Kovesi are targeted by Liviu Dragnea.

“Esteemed Romanians, Liviu Dragnea is fighting for a long time against Maior, Kovesi, the parallel state, Soros – he is fighting them from the inside. Ridiculous lies for those who still want to be fooled! Oh, yes, Liviu Dragnea is a good example of traditional family, isn’t it? The truth is that Liviu Dragnea fights only to hide away the money from Teldrum and Farmavet, to avoid criminal responsibility and to promote his interests!!! Romania, its natural resources, the Government or PSD are mere instruments for Dragnea’s and his family welfare! I hope he is asked during a live broadcast about his tough struggle against George Maior and Kovesi in the past years! We have to put an end to this lie and hypocrisy which affect our good sense and our future! I have this duty!” Victor Ponta wrote on Facebook.

PSD’s Dragnea says Maior has released the photo

PSD Chairman, Liviu Dragnea, commented on Monday the photo posted by Victor Ponta, arguing that it was probably taken on the occasion of SRI anniversary, adding that there are many photos of this kind, a SRI photographer took them. Dragnea also charges George Maior of sharing the photos.

“I don’t have the slightest idea if the photo is real or not, the securitate people are capable of everything. I did not deny I met Maior or Coldea. I believe an event was taking place, the SRI anniversary. More than 100 people were present, I was deputy PM, members of the government were present, the leadership of the Supreme Court, Prosecutor’s Offices. We used to receive invitations and attend the events. Tomorrow, another photo may be released, picturing me and Gabi Vlase (the current Foreign Intelligence Service – SIE, our note), I did have photos taken together with him. I had no idea at the time that Maior and Kovesi were sitting on unconstitutional protocols,” Liviu Dragnea said for Antena 3 TV private broadcaster.

Photo was taken by SRI official photographer, former SRI Officer says

Former SRI Officer, Daniel Dragomir, revealed for Antena 3 TV private broadcaster on Monday that the photo was taken by the SRI official photographer.

“The photo was taken by the official SRI photographer. He was the only person allowed to take photos during such meetings. The first question: how did the photo reached Victor Ponta from the SRI archives? Secondly: tomorrow morning I will notify the parliamentary committee for SRI control, I understand such photos are not classified, so that the committee may request that all photos taken during that period of time are released transparently to be seen by all the people. There could be Mr. Judge Ionut Matei, Judge Livia Stanciu. If transparency is wanted, then let’s see them all,” Daniel Dragomir said.