Prosecutor General Augustin Lazar charged with plagiarism. Justice Minister Toader claims it is another reason for revocation

Antena3 TV private broadcaster has reported Thursday evening that Augustin Lazar allegedly used in the 2016 management project, when he ran for the position of Prosecutor General, texts he reportedly copied from the project of former Prosecutor General Tiberiu Nitu in 2013.

Justice Minister Tudorel Toader believes this is yet another good reason for Lazar to leave the office.

“If you ask me, surely yes (Lazar should have left office – our note). There were reasons for constitutional conflicts. I mentioned 20, but I could have written a lot more,” Toader said for Antena3 TV.

Most of the copied texts presented are found in the chapters “Malfunctions and Measures” regarding the activity of the Public Ministry.

Lazar says it’s calumny

Lazar says this is a ridiculous calumny.

In a response to Realitatea TV private broadcaster, Augustin Lazar says these accusations are a “ridiculous slander” and points out that some project issues are transmitted from one term to another.

“The same issues are transmitted from one term to another to be continued in the next projects. The tables are part of the public ministry analyzes. I have taken up the issues to be continued. The next prosecutors general will continue the institution’s strategies. The CVM priorities are included in projects, according to the periodical reports and the objectives achieved for about 10 years. From a general prosecutor to the next one,” the Prosecutor General explained.

“I have professional reference works; I do not need to reproduce the works of others with fewer research skills. It is a ridiculous calumny. Manipulation has become an art for the unscrupulous,” Lazar concluded.