System in ‘deep crisis’ six months after documentary exposed alleged network used to delay graft convictions
T
he courtroom was silent but tense, the whir of camera lenses the only sound as dozens of journalists fixed their eyes on the bench. An extraordinary press conference had been called after the airing of a documentary late last year that claimed the top of Romania’s justice system was riddled with corruption.
Seated at the bench at the Bucharest court of appeal was its president, Liana Arsenie, flanked by her two vice-presidents. Behind them, in support, stood about 30 judges.
Then, Raluca Moroșanu, also a judge at the court, entered the room and asked to speak before the press conference began. “We are simply terrorised,” she said in a steady voice, breaking ranks with the leadership sitting beside her. “I can’t describe the atmosphere here, how toxic and tense it has become.”
