The ECHR has ruled that Romania violated the freedom of expression of former judge Cristi Dănileț, who was sanctioned by the CSM for his posts on Facebook.

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) condemned Romania for violating the freedom of expression of former judge Cristi Dănileț, the decision being final. The ECHR emphasized that the sanctions imposed by the Superior Council of Magistracy (CSM) were not justified. Dănileț was sanctioned in 2019 with a 5% salary reduction for posts on Facebook, accused of affecting the image of the judicial system.

The CSM considered that his language exceeded the limits of decency, after Dănileț reacted to an interview in which a prosecutor denounced the PSD government's assault on Justice. Additionally, another post was interpreted as incitement to armed revolt. Dănileț was excluded from the judiciary three times, but won all the lawsuits. A former judge at the Cluj Tribunal, he retired in January 2024.