“An absurd irony.” The reaction of the USR after several of its members were included on the list of detractors of justice, drawn up by the CSM

The Save Romania Union (USR) takes note “with great concern” of Wednesday's decision of the Superior Council of the Magistracy (CSM), the Section for judges, which claims the existence of an “unprecedented attack on the independence of the judiciary”, informs Agerpres. The USR considers the inclusion of some of its members on the list of those who would attack the independence of the judiciary as “absurd irony”.

“The section for judges of the Superior Council of Magistracy published today a decision in which it nominates political parties, politicians, journalists, publications and civic organizations as authors of a campaign to 'discredit justice'. Among those targeted is the USR, as a party and through its representatives. Some people from outside the party were falsely categorized as 'USR', as if being close to some public positions would be sufficient proof of political affiliation. We take note of this approach with great concern. Not because we are afraid of a critical point of view, but because the gesture itself raises serious questions – both in terms of form and substance”, according to a statement sent by the Save Romania Union.

“CSM exceeds the limits of legitimate defense”

Also, the USR emphasizes that it has defended the independence of the judiciary since its inception and that its parliamentarians from the first mandate opposed the Dragnea laws “which aimed at the political subordination” of the magistrates.

“That USR is now on a list of 'enemies of justice' is, at best, an absurd irony. At worst, it is an alarm signal about the state of democracy. The right to opinion of politicians is constitutionally guaranteed. So is the freedom of the press and the right to free expression of civic organizations and any citizen. And the proper functioning of justice is a matter of public interest, subject to debate”, he mentions cited source.

USR adds that when an institution with authority within the judiciary positions itself against critical opinions and qualifies as a “campaign” the democratic exercise of public debate, there is “a real risk of abuse of power” and censorship.

“USR supports the right of magistrates to defend their dignity and independence. But a decision that divides the press into good and bad, that nominates politicians and parties, journalists and newsrooms in a list of 'enemies of justice', exceeds the limits of legitimate defense”, the said statement also highlights.

CSM allegations

Several politicians, NGOs, and publications are accused by the Superior Council of the Magistracy of running a campaign to discredit the judiciary in the last year. The SCM names the “culprits” in a more than 70-page document, saying it has the support of 3,580 judges.

In the 76-page document, the CSM details the entire crisis period and makes a list of “culprits”.

The CSM says that this decision was based on the consultation of all 239 courts in Romania, which met in general assemblies, and 3,580 judges – 98% of those present, which represent 84% of the total – denounced “the constant degradation of the rule of law in Romania through the sustained attempt to subjugate the judiciary by the political power”.

The judges of the CSM point to “politicians of the governing coalition, especially from USR and PNL” as the authors of the campaign to denigrate justice.

The prime minister is also invoked, but without giving his name:

“The campaign was based on constantly repeated lies by a part of the ruling coalition today, especially by the political part under the authority and influence of the prime minister, their media vectors, as well as by NGOs that traditionally subscribe to their messages.”

Dominic Fritz, president of USR, Ana Birchall, former minister of justice, former adviser to the president, former adviser to the prime minister, Cristian Ghinea (USR), Laurenţiu Ştefănescu (USR) and other USR members, as well as former investigative journalist Ionel Stoica, are listed on the “black list”. Several of their posts on social networks are indicated in the CSM decision.

Deputy Prime Minister Oana Gheorghiu, Ruben Lațcau (Deputy Mayor of USR Timisoara), Diana Mardarovici, PNL councillor, Cătălin Teniță (former USR member) complete the list.