The protection of magistrates, their family members and their property is ensured by the territorially competent Romanian Police structures, stipulates a decision approved by the Government on Friday.
The normative act establishes the special protection measures for magistrates, the conditions and the manner of their implementation. At the same time, Government Decision no. 719/2005 regarding the security of the premises of courts, prosecutors’ offices and the Higher Council of Magistracy, of the property and valuables belonging to them, is amended, agerpres reports.
„These measures also aim to ensure the proper conduct of justice. In order to harmonize the regulatory framework, the regulatory act amends Government Decision no. 719/2005. Thus, it is established that the protection of magistrates, their family members and their property is ensured by the territorially competent Romanian Police structures,” informs a Government’s press release.
The establishment of special protection measures is made at the request of the heads of the courts or prosecutor’s offices where the magistrates carry out their activity or are seconded. In the case of retired magistrates, the establishment of the measures is made at their request or with their written consent.
When there is an immediate and direct threat, magistrates may directly request police protection, this exceptional situation being regulated. In such cases, the temporary establishment of protective measures may be ordered until the risk assessment is completed.
„The decision also defines the conditions for establishing special measures, based on verified data and information regarding acts of intimidation, threats or imminent danger. The obligations of magistrates and family members during the duration of the protective measures are also established, as well as the obligations of the institutions that requested protection and of the heads of police units responsible for coordination and implementation,” the press release informs.
The normative act also regulates the suspension and termination of special protective measures, depending on the evolution of the risk situation or at the request of the protected person, as well as the appeal procedure.
The approved decision does not introduce additional administrative tasks for the Romanian Police.
„The right of magistrates to special protection measures is provided for by art. 207 of Law no. 303/2022 on the status of judges and prosecutors, which establishes that the method of granting these measures is regulated by Government decision,” the Government says.
