Updated

Romania's top prosecutors have sharply criticized proposed changes to the legal system they say will make it hard to carry out prosecutions.

Among the changes are a move to ban public statements about investigations and trials and a proposal to allow suspects to be present when witnesses are giving testimony. Critics say this could intimidate witnesses.

Other proposals include limiting or banning video or audio recordings as evidence in trials.

The agency charged with prosecuting organized crime and terrorism said Thursday that 1,200 drugs trafficking cases would be halted if amendments approved by Parliament Wednesday became law.

Anti-corruption chief prosecutor Laura Codruta Kovesi said the changes meant "we won't be able to investigate corruption."

President Klaus Iohannis said the proposals were too sweeping. He can send them back to Parliament.