Romania: protests against plans to have mercy on thousands of criminals

In Romania, thousands of people took to the streets of Bucharest and other cities in protest against the government plans to pardon thousands of criminals and decriminalize some crimes.

At least 15 thousand protesters gathered on University Square in Bucharest on January 22 to protest against the plans of the new Prime Minister Sorinyan, who were criticized by the President, Prosecutor General, the Supreme Court and special prosecutors to combat organized crime.

The protesters held posters with the inscriptions "We woke up", "We want justice, and not from corruption!" And the “thieves!” Grounded when the headquarters of the government passed by.

Thousands of people also gathered in the club, Timishoare, Yassy, Sibiu and other cities.

Draft decisions of the Prime Minister alarmed people who complain about the lack of transparency and the publication of laws through decrees without coordination with parliament.

In the draft resolution, among other things, abuse of power is decriminalized, which bring damage to less than 200,000 lei (this is 47,500 dollars) - a crime that is accused of the leader of the ruling Social Democratic Party.

Romania President Klaus Johannis - who joined the protest on January 22 - called on the government to abandon the resolution, which, according to his assessment, undermines the rule of law and the fight against corruption.