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Photo from Ukrinform
Tens of thousands of protesters rallied against the ruling Social Democrat (PSD) government on Friday in cities across Romania, Reuters reports.
Riot police used tear gas and water cannons on the crowd, and more than 400 people were injured. Video footage posted on social media show police beating non-violent protesters holding their hands up.
This however, did not deter the protestors as thousands showed up today in Bucharest to continue protesting. So far, the demonstration near the government offices has been peaceful.
The protests were organized and promoted by groups of Romanians working abroad, angry at what they say is entrenched corruption, low wages and attempts by the PSD to weaken the judiciary in one of the European Union’s most corrupt states.
The protestors were demanding the resignation of the government.
President Klaus Iohannis said the police reaction was “disproportionate.”
“I firmly condemn riot police’s brutal intervention, strongly disproportionate to the actions of the majority of people. The interior ministry must explain urgently the way it handled tonight’s events,” he said on his Facebook page.
