Thousands of Romanians have taken to the streets for a fifth consecutive day to protest alleged systemic corruption in the judicial system. Demonstrators across Bucharest and other major cities rallied in support of judges and prosecutors who exposed unethical practices in the judiciary, as highlighted in an explosive investigative documentary aired earlier this week.

Documentary Sparks Nationwide Outcry

The documentary, broadcast by Romanian media outlet Recorder on Tuesday, detailed allegations that politically backed senior judges exploit legal loopholes for personal and political gain. The film accused certain judges of issuing questionable acquittals and taking disciplinary action against prosecutors and colleagues who dared to challenge unethical practices.

The revelations ignited a public outcry, with roughly 10,000 protesters marching in Bucharest on Sunday evening. Demonstrators chanted slogans such as “Justice not corruption” and “Independence not obedience,” calling for immediate reform of the judicial system. Similar protests have occurred daily in other Romanian cities, demonstrating widespread concern over judicial integrity.

Judicial Community Responds

In addition to public demonstrations, several hundred judges and prosecutors signed an open letter denouncing “profound and systemic dysfunction” in the justice system. The letter emphasized that “truth and integrity must not be penalized but protected,” warning that silence is unacceptable when professional values are under threat. The statement received support from politicians, business leaders, and civil society groups across Romania.

President Nicusor Dan responded to the protests by announcing plans for consultations with members of the judiciary on December 22. He acknowledged that the volume of complaints about integrity issues within the justice system indicates the seriousness of the problem.

Romania’s Long-Standing Struggle With Judicial Corruption

Judicial corruption has been a persistent challenge in Romania. Despite meeting the requirements to join the European Union in 2007, Romania’s judiciary remained under special monitoring by Brussels due to concerns over transparency and political influence. This monitoring was lifted in 2023; however, the pace of anticorruption investigations has since slowed, and some high-profile acquittals have raised concerns about a weakening commitment to fighting corruption.

Transparency International continues to rank Romania poorly in its Corruption Perceptions Index, and corruption was recently highlighted as a key vulnerability in Romania’s new national defense strategy, approved by parliament in November.

Pressure on Judges and Prosecutors

The documentary and subsequent protests also shed light on the personal risks faced by members of the judiciary who challenge systemic abuses. Over the years, judges and prosecutors who spoke out against corruption have faced transfers, demotions, investigations, and even outright dismissal.

Raluca Morosanu, a judge from the Bucharest Court of Appeal, publicly supported the documentary’s claims, stating, “We are simply terrorized with disciplinary actions,” breaking ranks with colleagues who had defended the institution. Her statement reinforces growing concerns about political interference and intimidation within Romania’s judicial system.

Public Demands and Political Implications

The ongoing protests highlight a growing frustration among Romanian citizens, who are demanding independence, transparency, and accountability in the judiciary. Analysts warn that if systemic corruption persists, public trust in Romania’s democratic institutions could erode further, undermining the rule of law and Romania’s international credibility.

Observers note that the protests are not only a reaction to recent revelations but also reflect broader frustrations with entrenched political influence over the judiciary, inconsistent anticorruption enforcement, and the lack of protection for whistleblowers within the legal system.