Declic community files legal action challenging Lia Savonea's appointment as ICCJ president

The Declic community filed a legal action on Thursday at the Cluj Court of Appeal challenging the decision of the Superior Council of Magistracy (CSM) to appoint judge Lia Savonea as President of the High Court of Cassation and Justice (ICCJ).

The action is supported by a petition signed by 70,000 citizens, according to a press release issued by the organisation.

"We are challenging the appointment of Lia Savonea not to block a career, but because the law must be respected, especially when the appointment concerns the leadership of the country's highest court. Judicial independence does not only mean that judges are free to rule without pressure, but also that citizens can see that justice operates impartially," said Roxana Pencea Bradatan, campaign coordinator for Declic, after filing the lawsuit.

Lawyer Roxana Mandrutiu, who represents the community in court, said that the administrative litigation action seeks the annulment of acts adopted by the CSM "in blatant violation of legal deadlines and procedural safeguards," stressing that the appointment process for the ICCJ leadership must be "transparent, fair and predictable."

According to Declic, the legal action invokes several irregularities, including the initiation of the selection process for the new ICCJ president nearly three months earlier than permitted by law. The organisation also mentions Lia Savonea's controversial track record, as well as criticism from magistrates and the European Commission during her previous term as head of the CSM.

Declic representatives argue that public perception of judicial independence is crucial to the legitimacy of the justice system, and that "transparency, neutrality and avoidance of conflicts of interest" are fundamental requirements.

The petition entitled 'Stop promoting toxic judges' was signed by 70,000 people, and the legal costs of the action, amounting to 10,000 lei, are fully covered by donations from community members.