Romania protests: Thousands take part in anti-government demonstrations in Bucharest; 440 injured
Tens of thousands of people in Romania flocked to the anti-government protest in Bucharest organised by expatriates on Friday, urging the left-wing ruling Social Democrat (PSD) government to resign and call an early election.
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Tens of thousands of Romanians flocked to the anti-government protest organised by expatriates on Friday, urging the left-wing ruling Social Democrat (PSD) government to resign and call an early election. People shine lights on their mobile phones during protests outside the Romanian government headquarters in Bucharest. AP
The expatriates said they were angry at how Romania is being governed. An estimated three million Romanians live abroad, and some say they left because of corruption, low wages and a lack of opportunities. A man throws a plastic bottle at riot police during protests. AP
Some participants scuffled with riot police when they tried to break through a police line guarding the government offices. AP
Several people were detained, and police fired tear gas multiple times. Late Friday, officers fired water cannon as well. AP
The protesters in the capital on Friday waved Romanian, European Union, Spanish, Italian and other national flags, and yelled "Justice, not corruption!" They also called the ruling party "the red plague." AP
Nearly 440 people, including two dozen riot police, received medical treatment. Some sustained head injuries, while others were overcome by the tear gas, the Bucharest-Ilfov Emergency Service said. AP