The High Court of Cassation and Justice admitted the appeal for cassation filed by Cornel Onilă, former bishop of Huși, but rejected the request to suspend the execution of the sentence, which means that Onilă will remain in prison.

The first term for the appeal hearing was set for January 20, 2026. Cornel Onilă was sentenced in April 2025 to eight years in prison for rape, sexual assault, and blackmail, and the Huși Diocese and the Huși Theological Seminary were ordered to pay 3,000 lei each for legal expenses.

The judges prohibited Onilă from holding public office for 5 years after serving his sentence and from contacting the victims. His case was marked by public scandals, including accusations of blackmail and sexual relations with a minor. Additionally, former archimandrite Sebastian Jitaru, involved in the scandal, was sentenced to 14 years and two months in prison for similar offenses.