Thousands in Romania corruption protest
Anti-government protests in the Romanian capital turned violent Friday night as police clashed with protesters, using tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds. More than 240 people, including some security personnel, were reported injured.
An estimated 100,000 people gathered throughout the day in Bucharest's Piata Victoriei to express their anger at the government, with tens of thousands protesting in other cities across the country. Chief among their grievances are legislative changes that many say will weaken the rule of law.
"We want democracy and laws that defend citizens, not politicians," said Moise Maracine, 33, who flew from Britain, where he lives and owns a business. Organizers sought to draw Romanians living outside the country to this demonstration, the latest in a series.
Stelian Onchioiu, 43, who works in Dublin as a driver, said he came back "because I want to change the system in Romania." After a decade in the military, Onchioiu said, he has spent the past two years living in Ireland. "It's important for us to come back," he said. "There is too much corruption."
