21 Jun 2018 | 11:02 PM UTC
Romania: Nationwide anti-government protests June 19-20
Protests against criminal code changes erupt in cities throughout Romania June 19-20; avoid all demonstrations
Event
On Tuesday, June 19, over 3000 people protested in Cluj-Napoca to protest a controversial amendment to the criminal code. The demonstrators claimed that the amendment will facilitate corruption. After the Chamber of Deputies adopted the amendment Wednesday, June 20, protesters assembled in Bucharest as well as in Iași, Timișoara, and dozens of other cities from 18:00 (local time) to protest Romania's high levels of corruption. Additional related demonstrations are possible in the coming days and weeks.
Context
Opposition protests against corruption are commonplace in Romania, which has the highest level of perceived corruption in the EU. Protests have occurred regularly since December, 2017, including protests in February in which at least half a million Romanians took to the streets, forcing the government to repeal a similar corruption-related ordinance and the justice minister to resign.
Advice
Individuals in Romania are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities. Anticipate transportation disruptions near protest areas.
