A former Romanian prime minister who shot himself in the neck in an apparent suicide attempt is to undergo surgery, according to Belfast Telegraph.

Adrian Nastase was admitted to hospital on Wednesday, June 20 after shooting himself, hours after the country's highest court ruled that he must serve a two-year prison sentence on corruption charges.

Plastic surgeon Ion Lascar said doctors will try to repair Mr Nastase's bullet wounds, but did not say when.

Former president Ion Iliescu, a close ally, said a police attempt to execute the court order and arrest Mr Nastase was "inhumane".

He said Mr Nastase, who will turn 62 on Friday, considered himself innocent.

Senior opposition member Vasile Blaga called the shooting "shocking" and "a tragedy".