More than 500 Romanian judges and prosecutors have publicly denounced what they describe as systemic abuses within the nation's justice system, one of the most corruption-prone in the European Union. The move has prompted President Nicusor Dan to summon them for consultations.
The action follows a documentary aired on Tuesday that purported to reveal how politically appointed chief judges exploit legal loopholes for unethical practices, including questionable acquittals. The film also suggested that judges or prosecutors who file complaints often face disciplinary retaliation.
The hundreds of magistrates signed an open letter published on social media, lamenting a "profound and systemic dysfunction" within the judicial system.
"Truth and integrity must not be penalised but protected. Silence is not an option when the values of the profession are threatened," the letter stated.
Brussels maintained a special monitoring mechanism over Romania's justice system after the country joined the EU in 2007. Following the lifting of this oversight in 2023, the pace of anti-corruption investigations has slowed, and the judiciary has issued several high-level acquittals, raising concerns that the fight against graft has lost momentum.
Several magistrates who have spoken out against systemic abuses in recent years have reportedly been transferred, demoted, investigated, or outright dismissed.
On Friday, Romanian business leaders voiced support for the open letter. They urged the government to be prepared to amend laws if necessary, increase transparency, and protect whistleblowing magistrates.
PROTESTS
Approximately 1,000 Romanians protested in Bucharest on Thursday in response to the documentary, chanting "Justice, not corruption." The demonstration echoed massive 2017 street protests against a since-scrapped plan by the then-leftist government to decriminalize certain corruption offences.
The documentary, produced by the independent media outlet Recorder, drew criticism from judges on Romania's judicial watchdog council, who argued it tarnished the reputation of the entire justice system.
Announcing his decision to hold consultations with members of the judiciary on December 22, President Dan stated that when so many magistrates complain of "an integrity problem in the justice system, things are very serious."
Under Romania's system, the president holds the authority to appoint the nation's chief judges and prosecutors.
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Source: REUTERS