Mon Dec 15 12:59:02 UTC 2025: News Article:

Romanian Protests Surge Over Judicial Corruption Following Explosive Documentary

Bucharest, Romania – Thousands of Romanians have taken to the streets for a fifth consecutive day to protest alleged systemic corruption within the nation’s judicial system. The demonstrations were sparked by an investigative documentary, aired last Tuesday by Recorder, which alleges that politically backed senior judges are exploiting legal loopholes for unethical practices, including questionable acquittals.

Protests erupted in Bucharest and other major cities, with demonstrators chanting slogans like “Justice not corruption” and “Independence not obedience.” The outpouring of public anger is fueled by concerns that judges and prosecutors who attempt to expose these abuses face disciplinary action.

The unrest began on Wednesday and has gained momentum following an open letter signed by hundreds of judges and prosecutors denouncing the “profound and systemic dysfunction” within the justice system. The letter, which garnered support from politicians and business leaders, emphasized the importance of protecting truth and integrity over silence.

President Nicusor Dan has announced consultations with members of the judiciary scheduled for December 22, acknowledging the severity of the situation given the volume of complaints regarding integrity within the system.

Romania’s struggle with judicial corruption is not new. The EU monitored the country’s judicial system for years after it joined the union in 2007. While that monitoring ended in 2023, concerns have resurfaced due to a slowdown in anti-corruption investigations and high-profile acquittals. Romania ranks poorly on Transparency International’s corruption perception index and includes corruption as a key vulnerability in its new defense strategy.

Last week, the Bucharest Court of Appeal, one of the courts implicated in the documentary, defended itself. However, one of its judges, Raluca Morosanu, publicly supported the film’s allegations, stating that judges are “simply terrorized with disciplinary actions.”

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