Romania Rocked by Nationwide Protests Against Judicial Corruption Following Documentary Release

Documentary Exposes Systemic Judicial Flaws

Romania has been gripped by widespread protests against judicial corruption, ignited by the release of the investigative documentary 'Captured Justice' (also known as 'Justitie Capturata'). Produced by the platform Recorder, the film premiered on YouTube on December 9, 2025, and was subsequently broadcast on national television on December 10, 2025. The documentary, which quickly garnered millions of views, features testimonies from current and former magistrates detailing systemic manipulation within the country's judicial system.

The film alleges that high-profile corruption cases involving politicians and businessmen were deliberately delayed until statutes of limitations expired or were resolved through questionable acquittals. It also highlights the arbitrary reassignment of judges and undue pressure on independent magistrates, painting a picture of a judiciary 'captured' by influential figures. Lia Savonea, president of the High Court of Cassation and Justice, is notably portrayed as a central figure in this alleged power structure.

Thousands Mobilize Across Romanian Cities

The public response to the documentary was immediate and substantial. Protests began on December 10, 2025, with hundreds gathering spontaneously in front of the Superior Council of Magistracy (CSM) headquarters in Bucharest. Demonstrations quickly escalated and spread to numerous cities across Romania, including Cluj-Napoca, Iași, Timișoara, Sibiu, Brașov, Ploiești, Suceava, Galați, Oradea, Constanța, Pitești, Craiova, and Satu Mare.

By December 11, nearly a thousand demonstrators assembled in Victoria Square in Bucharest, facing the government building, and over 500 people protested in Cluj-Napoca. Subsequent days saw thousands more join the protests, with approximately 8,000 people participating in Bucharest on December 14. Protesters, often waving Romanian and European Union flags, chanted slogans such as 'Justice, not mafia,' 'We want justice, not immunity,' 'Independent magistrates, not obedient,' and 'No Statute of Limitations for Corruption.'

Demands for Resignations and Judicial Reform

The demonstrators have articulated clear demands, primarily calling for the resignations of several key officials. These include Lia Savonea, President of the High Court of Cassation and Justice; the leadership of the National Anti-corruption Directorate (DNA); Justice Minister Radu Marinescu; and former Interior Minister Cătălin Predoiu. Protesters are also pushing for legislative reforms to eliminate loopholes that allow for the indefinite postponement of trials, which they argue enables corruption to go unpunished.

Official Reactions and Investigations Underway

The revelations and subsequent protests have prompted reactions from various official bodies. The Judges' Section of the Superior Council of Magistracy (CSM) initially dismissed the documentary as a 'coordinated attack' but later announced that its prosecutors' section would conduct checks into the allegations. The CSM also notified the Judicial Inspection to carry out verifications regarding the issues raised in the film.

President Nicușor Dan has acknowledged the gravity of the situation, inviting magistrates for consultations on December 22 and stating that he has begun compiling a report on systemic issues within the judiciary. Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan echoed calls for investigations and announced the formation of a government task force to analyze legislation and propose reforms. Justice Minister Radu Marinescu, while denying personal responsibility, emphasized judicial independence and promised sanctions for proven delays.