02 Dec 2017 | 03:37 PM UTC
Romania: Anti-corruption protest in Bucharest December 1
Anti-corruption protest scheduled in Bucharest December 1; avoid protests
Event
Opposition parties, civil society groups, and trade unions have called for protests to take place in Bucharest and other major cities on Friday, December 1, to denounce a bill that would allow the justice minister to appoint and dismiss state prosecutors, as well as weaken the power of the anti-corruption prosecutor's office. According to local sources, thousands of protesters are expected to rally on Friday at Victory Square in Bucharest.
The government claims the aim of the proposed law is to prevent the judicial sector from pursuing a politically motivated agenda; critics worry it will undermine efforts to root out corruption. A heightened security presence as well as transportation disruptions are expected in the vicinity of the protests.
Context
Public outrage erupted in February 2017 after the government ratified an emergency decree allowing certain corruption offenses to be decriminalized. This sparked the biggest protests seen in the country since the fall of communism in 1989. At least half a million Romanians took to the streets, forcing the government to eventually repeal the ordinance and the justice minister to resign.
Advice
Individuals present in Romania are advised to avoid all demonstrations, to anticipate transportation disruptions in the vicinity of protests, and to monitor developments to the situation.
