Gigel Știrbu published a doctored image of Sorin Grindeanu and George Simion in bed. CNCD cites a possible violation of dignity

PNL Vice President Gigel Știrbu published on Facebook on Tuesday a doctored photograph in which PSD and AUR leaders Sorin Grindeanu and George Simion appear embracing each other in bed. The image was used to illustrate the liberal politician’s accusation regarding a “toxic PSD–AUR alliance,” following the reciprocal support for the candidates of the two parties to lead TVR and Radio România.

Contacted by HotNews, Gigel Știrbu said that he had not intended to make allusions to the personal relationships of the two politicians and that he merely wanted to emphasize the closeness between PSD and AUR. He said he had taken from the internet an image he considered “funny.” The post was also shared in PNL’s internal communication groups.

The National Council for Combating Discrimination stated that the photograph could be interpreted as an infringement of human dignity, without prejudging the matter. However, the institution does not intend to initiate an investigation on its own initiative, considering that politicians have the necessary means to defend themselves.

“We are trying to stay away from a potential status as a political arbiter and we do not intervene in political debates. In the case of politicians, and in the case you are presenting, we are dealing precisely with party leaders who, of course, are mature, vaccinated people, with staff and legal advisers behind them… I really do not consider an investigation on our own initiative to be appropriate,” explained CNCD interim Vice President Cătălin Raiu

The situation comes a few months after PNL referred to the CNCD a case involving an image generated by artificial intelligence in which Ilie Bolojan and Dominic Fritz appeared to be kissing.

Party representatives did not comment on the new post.