Romanian Pres Says Magistrates Enjoy Freedom But Don’t Know What To Do With It

Basescu mentioned the young people who became magistrates since 2004 and who replaced those retired. According to Basescu, over 1,000 youths became judges and prosecutors in the five years of his presidential mandate.

„What you see now in justice is the result of the fact that magistrates enjoy total freedom. It is obvious they do not know what to do with this freedom,” Basescu said referring to the protests started by magistrates on August 31.

The head of state added justice, just like the media, needs some time „to mature”.

He quoted article 21 of the Constitution on the free access to justice, according to which any person can call on justice to defend their legitimate rights, liberties and interests. „No person can restrict this right and the parties are entitled to fair trial and the solution of cases within a reasonable deadline,” according to the constitutional article.