Over 500 prosecutors and judges have signed so far the message supporting the magistrates who had the courage to make disclosures in the Recorder investigation about the serious problems in the justice system.
European Prosecutor’s Office chief prosecutor Laura Codruta Kovesi heads the list.
„We are publicly voicing the solidarity with the magistrates who had the courage to denounce the problems and pressures in the justice system. Truth and integrity mustn’t be sanctioned, but protected. Silence is not an option when the values of the profession are endangered. At the same time, we underline that the aspects signalled are not isolated. Profound and systemic dysfunctionalities and persist, and assuming their existence is essential. Justice needs not only courage but also real, honest reform to be able to remain free, fair and credible – to the service of the citizen,” the magistrates say.
The message is signed by judges and prosecutors nationwide, namely with the National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA), the Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT), the General Prosecutor’s Office, courts of appeal, tribunals and courts, as well as military courts and prosecutor’s offices.
Among the signatories there are judges with the Bucharest Court of Appeal (Ruxandra Grecu, Alina Gulutanu, Corina Ciobanu, Cristina Grecu, Marilena Neacsu), Ionut Matei (former judge with the supreme Court), Sorina Marinas (Craiova Court of Appeal), Alexandra Lancranjan (former DNA prosecutor, currently working with the General Prosecutor’s Office), former judge Cristi Danilet, former prosecutor Marius Bulancea, Horatiu Dumbrava – former judge and Superior Council of Magistracy (CSM) member.
The Recorder documentary features several prosecutors and judges, some with protected identities, who reveal how the leadership of the Bucharest Court of Appeal routinely replaced judges on panels to obtain favourable decisions for individuals accused of corruption. Among the cases examined are those of Marian Vanghelie, Cristian Burci and Puiu Popoviciu. AGERPRES
