Donald Trump’s attorney Rudolph Giuliani caused a diplomatic commotion on Tuesday by complaining to the president of Romania about his country’s efforts to tackle corruption and calling for an amnesty for some convicted criminals.
In a letter to Romanian president Klaus Iohannis, which was published by Mediafax, Giuliani sharply criticised what he called “excesses made in the name of ‘law enforcement’” by Romania’s national anti-corruption directorate. The agency, he said, had used unfair tactics against suspects and intimidated judges and lawyers.
“An amnesty should be given to those who have been prosecuted and convicted through the excesses,” Giuliani said, claiming “many innocent people” had been jailed.
Giuliani’s remarks aligned him with political forces in Romania who last month succeeded in ousting the country’s top corruption prosecutor, who had pursued senior politicians, prompting tumultuous public protests.
Giuliani, a former federal prosecutor, said in his letter he supported legitimate efforts to curb corruption. But he protested repeatedly about what he claimed were recent excesses in Romania.
The letter was written under the letterhead of Giuliani Partners, his private consultancy firm, and did not mention his role as personal lawyer to the American president.
It was unclear whether the letter was sent at…
