Protests Erupt in Romania Over Alleged Judicial Corruption: Day 5

Mass protests have swept Bucharest and other Romanian cities since early December 2025, triggered by Recorder’s investigative documentary “Justice Captured,” which exposes systemic corruption in the judiciary. Thousands gathered in Victory Square for the fifth consecutive day on December 13, chanting “Justice, not corruption” and demanding accountability from top officials. These demonstrations echo 2017-2019 anti-corruption movements but focus on judicial capture by a network of politicians and magistrates.

The Recorder Documentary’s Revelations

Launched on December 9, the film features testimonies from over 50 judges and prosecutors detailing how court leadership at the Bucharest Court of Appeal routinely swaps judicial panels to delay corruption trials until they are beyond prescription. High-profile cases like those of Marian Vanghelie, Cristian Burci, and Puiu Popoviciu benefited from these tactics, allowing statutes of limitations to expire.

The documentary, viewed over 2.3 million times in a few days, prompted the national broadcaster TVR to air it and sparked complaints from hundreds of magistrates about abuses.

Key Demands from Protesters

Protesters demand the resignation of Justice Minister Cătălin Predoiu, who oversaw laws enabling abuses and now faces a petition with over 12,000 signatures. They also call for the dismissal of High Court President Lia Savonea for her controversial decisions that undermine judicial independence, alongside a leadership overhaul at the DNA led by Chief Prosecutor Marius Voineag, who is seen as part of the captured network.

Additional reforms target the Superior Council of Magistracy to reduce its control and close loopholes in magistrate immunity. A parallel petition by NGOs Declic and Funky Citizens approaches 150,000 signatures for transparent justice reforms.

Ongoing Mobilisation and Reactions

Protests have spread to multiple cities, drawing several thousand participants in Bucharest on December 12-13 and events abroad. The CSM’s Judges Section has notified the Judicial Inspection to probe the allegations. As of December 14, new marches are planned, signalling sustained pressure for systemic change.