Civil society does not threaten justice. A lack of accountability does.
Dozens of non-governmental organisations, professional associations, civic initiative groups, journalists, activists and citizens have signed a public statement denouncing Decision No.1348 of 9 June 2026 of the Section for Judges of Romania’s Superior Council of Magistracy as incompatible with the principles of democratic dialogue and the rule of law.
The signatories believe that, instead of offering an accountable, transparent analysis of the problems affecting the judicial system, the decision turns legitimate criticism into a purported threat to justice and identifies civil society as an external adversary responsible for eroding public trust in judicial institutions.
The public statement identifies ten major problems with Decision No.1348:
- It turns legitimate criticism of the judiciary into an accusation against civil society.
- It challenges the very legitimacy of civil society’s role in a democratic state.
- It seeks to turn civil society into a political actor and challenge its democratic legitimacy.
- It speaks on behalf of the entire judiciary without the legitimacy to do so.
- It rejects institutional introspection and shifts responsibility entirely outside the institution.
- It creates conditions for intimidating critics and restricting civic space.
- It establishes a veritable blacklist incompatible with the principles of democratic justice.
- It delegitimises and silences courageous voices within the judicial system.
- It raises legitimate questions about the document’s real purpose.
- It creates an official theory of “civic guilt”, presenting criticism as a form of hostility towards justice.
Consult the full public statement and list of signatories.
The signatories invite other non-governmental organisations, professional associations, civic groups, activists, journalists, magistrates and citizens concerned about defending the rule of law to join this initiative by signing the public statement.
In a democracy, criticism of public institutions does not threaten justice. It is one of the conditions for justice that is accountable, independent and worthy of citizens’ trust.
Contacts:
- Angi Șerban – Corupția ucide: 0767 311 546
- Laurențiu Ștefănescu – Inițiativa Timișoara: 0722 279 412
- Diana Voicu – Inițiativa România: 0722 572 797
