12 hours ago

Romania's Attorney General warns about online threats following this week's attacks in schools

Nicoleta Onofrei

23 October 2026, 09:13

Current Affairs

Cristina Chiriac INQUAM_Photos_Octav_Ganea

Always see our news on Google

Prosecutor General Cristina Chiriac calls for a firm, coordinated and rapid institutional response following the recent acts of violence in educational institutions. The reaction comes after a student attacked two classmates with a machete at a high school, while in Bistrița a 13-year-old student injured another student and a teacher with a knife.

Cristina Chiriac states that safety in schools is an obligation of the state and a right of every child and teacher. She emphasizes that any criminal act must be investigated responsibly, professionally and expeditiously, and that those who break the law must be held accountable in accordance with legal provisions.

The Prosecutor General draws attention to threats made online and manifestations of extremism.

”Particular attention must be paid to threats made online, manifestations of extremism, access to dangerous objects and any concrete indications concerning the preparation of acts of violence. At the same time, the intervention of the authorities must respect the rights of minors, the presumption of innocence and the principle of proportionality. Firmness in applying the law does not rule out prevention, education and psychological support. On the contrary, these must function together. Safety in schools is not optional. It is an obligation of the state and a right of every child and teacher”, said Cristina Chiriac.

Chiriac supports strengthening cooperation between the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Education and institutions for the protection of minors. Prevention, education and psychological support must complement the firm enforcement of the law.

Context: Immediate measures and interventions for student safety

Shortly beforehand, Prime Minister Luca Niculescu announced that the Executive was preparing an integrated plan to increase safety in schools, following violent attacks committed within a single week. He stated that the plan would include clear responsibilities, preventive measures, rapid interventions, and firm sanctions, and called for action not to await the occurrence of serious incidents, but to stop them in time.

Separately, President Nicușor Dan said that the incidents were “signals that we can no longer afford to ignore” and emphasized that the mere existence of laws is not sufficient if they are not effectively enforced. He called for intervention from the very first signs of aggression, better communication between students, teachers, and parents, as well as solutions to protect children from harassment in the online environment.