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Greenpeace Romania seeks clarifications about Energy minister's alleged criminal complaint against environmental NGOs
Greenpeace Romania representatives express their disappointment at the decision of Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja to challenge and restrict the "peaceful and legitimate activity of environmental organizations", despite his claims to share the common goals of strengthening Romania's energy security, accessibility and sustainability.
In an open letter this Thursday, Greenpeace called for clarifications from Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja and Justice Minister Alina Gorghiu, requesting transparent answers regarding a potential criminal case initiated against several environmental protection organizations. According to recent media reports, the Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) received a complaint and consequently moved to criminal proceedings, shows a release from the organization.
According to the cited source, the accusations come as a result of Greenpeace's vocal campaign against the Neptun Deep fossil gas exploitation project planned by Austrian oil and gas company OMV in the Romanian sector of the Black Sea.
"When asked about his supposed involvement, the Energy minister publicly criticized the legal and legitimate avenues that challenge the approval procedures of energy projects that are controversial and destructive for people and nature. He also refused to clarify the existence of this criminal complaint and his involvement in the initiation of the potential investigation, thus obstructing all constructive dialogue with Greenpeace and other organizations. (...) We will not be intimidated and we will certainly not remain silent in the face of these undemocratic, anachronistic attacks. We will continue to take legal action and seek accountability for the problematic decisions that endanger the environment and our future. We demand answers and clear solutions from the ministers of Energy and Justice regarding the way the Romanian government will protect our fundamental rights to a healthy environment and to protest," said Greenpeace Romania executive director Elena Ionescu in the release.
In recent months, Greenpeace has initiated several lawsuits against the controversial Neptun Deep project over the risk of unknown toxic substances being dumped into the sea and huge amounts of CO2 being released into the atmosphere.
Last week, Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja took to Facebook to note that he and Environment Minister Mircea Fechet have come under fire from several environmental organizations "for allegedly notifying the criminal prosecution authorities about the actions of several NGOs that have been sabotaging energy projects for years. (...) Those who break the law must be held accountable. All pressures, threats and negative campaigns do not intimidate us, but motivate us. And truth and justice always win, sooner or later. Romania must be independent and secure in and through its energy sector, without ever depending on those who have for decades used energy as a blackmail weapon."