Following revelations of judicial irregularities six months ago, Romanian judge Laurențiu Beșu reports a significant deterioration in morale among his colleagues. In a recent interview with Recorder, Beșu claims that the leadership’s response to his previous disclosures – made in a Recorder documentary – has focused on establishing control and intimidation within the judiciary. He asserts that magistrates feel “disarmed” and that a desire for “absolute control” is driving the current climate. Beșu’s initial statements detailed serious issues within the judicial system, prompting the current assessment of a worsening environment. He suggests the actions taken were not aimed at addressing the problems he highlighted, but rather at suppressing dissent. The judge’s comments raise concerns about the independence and integrity of the Romanian judicial system.