Protests by citizens, judges and prosecutors have erupted across Romania over alleged political interference and corruption in the country’s judiciary, with the European Union’s chief prosecutor Laura Codruța Kovesi voicing support for calls to hold those responsible to account, media reported.
Demonstrations took place in Bucharest and other cities after an investigative network, Recorder, published video testimony alleging that judges and prosecutors were obstructed or punished by senior officials and politicians when pursuing cases involving abuse of power and violations of the law.
About 600 judges and prosecutors have signed a letter demanding a thorough reform of the justice system and safeguards to prevent investigations and court rulings from being blocked by political pressure or large-scale corruption, according to reports by Deutsche Welle and other European media.
Kovesi, a Romanian national and head of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, joined the appeal, calling for measures to prevent and punish those who used influence and corruption within the judiciary to obstruct or cover up investigations and verdicts.
A documentary titled “Captured Justice”, which brought the allegations to light, included testimony describing how politically appointed judicial leaders imposed controversial decisions, including dropping charges, while disciplinary proceedings were launched against prosecutors and judges who resisted such pressure.
Among those featured was Libiu Lascu, a prosecutor and former head of the military division of Romania’s National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA), who said he was prevented from pursuing well-documented corruption cases involving the security and military apparatus and was ultimately forced to leave his post.
Romania’s justice ministry said it had asked the government to consider changes in light of the revelations, stating that while the country had made important progress in judicial reform, significant issues remained unresolved.
French daily Le Monde and other French media reported that protesters in Bucharest called for the resignations of Justice Minister Radu Marinescu and Supreme Court President Lia Savonea, among other senior officials.