Romanians mount mass protests over judicial corruption

Mass protests have filled the streets of several Romanian cities for a fifth day in a row against alleged judicial corruption.

Thousands took to the streets of capital Bucharest and other cities on Sunday to show support for judges and prosecutors that denounced systemic abuse in the judicial system in an investigative documentary.

Aired by media outlet Recorder on Tuesday, the documentary alleged that politically backed senior judges use legal loopholes for unethical practices – including questionable acquittals. Judges and prosecutors who complain assert that they often face disciplinary action.

Roughly 10,000 people marched in Bucharest on Sunday evening, chanting “Justice not corruption” and “Independence not obedience”, according to the Reuters news agency.

Thousands of protesters also gathered in other cities across Romania, as they have each day since the protests erupted on Wednesday.

The same day, several hundred judges and prosecutors signed an open letter on social media denouncing “profound and systemic dysfunction” in the justice system.

“Truth and integrity must not be penalised but protected. Silence is not an option when the values of the profession are threatened,” said the letter, which attracted support from politicians and business leaders.

President Nicusor Dan announced he would hold consultations with members of the judiciary on December 22, saying the number of complaints regarding “an integrity problem in the justice system” indicated “things are very serious.”