Hundreds took to the streets again in Oradea for Viorel Pașca, investigated in the 'hellish shelters' case

Hundreds of people gathered in Union Square in Oradea, Romania, on Sunday evening to express their support for Viorel Pașca. Pașca is currently under judicial control as part of an investigation into alleged abuses at care homes, referred to locally as the "hellish shelters" case.

The protest, organized via social media under the banner "You are not alone, Viorel," saw families, young people, and the elderly assemble. Participants carried Romanian and European Union flags, as well as yellow flags bearing association symbols. They displayed signs with messages such as "With Viorel Pașca!", "Good must not be punished!", "Stop abuses!", and "The voice of patients matters!"

Some protesters asserted that Pașca and his facilities filled a void left by state services for vulnerable individuals. Chants of "Head up, Viorel!" and "Dumbrava is us!" echoed through the square. One banner suggested the state was blaming Pașca for issues stemming from its own failure to provide adequate care.

Viorel Pașca's lawyer, Răzvan Doseanu, addressed the crowd, expressing confidence in their ability to prove Pașca's innocence. He shared an anecdote where Pașca, when asked if he regretted the situation, reportedly replied, "I regret that I didn't save more people." The lawyer described Pașca and his family as having cooperated openly with the investigation.