BUCHAREST, Romania — Leaders of Romania’s ruling Social Democratic Party are rallying around their powerful leader after he was handed a 3½-year jail sentence for abuse of office.
Regional bosses sent messages of support for Liviu Dragnea Friday, saying he should be considered innocent pending a final verdict.
Dragnea, who hasn’t been seen in public for days, denies wrongdoing. He can appeal Thursday’s ruling.
After his conviction, thousands resumed anti-corruption protests and there were also celebrations. In some neighborhoods people cheered, while cars honked their horns in downtown Bucharest as the sentence was pronounced after hours of deliberation.
The High Court of Cassation and Justice found Dragnea guilty of intervening to keep two party members on the payroll of a public family welfare agency.
The party meets later to discuss its future in the wake of his conviction.
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