Thousands Protest As Romania Relaxes Corruption Law

BUCHAREST, Feb 1 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 01st Feb, 2017 ) - Thousands of Romanians took to the streets Tuesday night after the government issued a controversial emergency decree reducing the penalties for corruption in a move which will allow several politicians to avoid criminal prosecution.

In Bucharest protestors gathered spontaneously in front of the seat of government, chanting "thieves" and calling for the resignation of the social democrat government, which has been in power for less than a month, AFP reporters saw.

Protests also took place in several other cities, including Cluj, Sibiu, Timisoara and Iasi, according to Romanian media reports. They erupted immediately after the announcement of the emergency decree which could allow many politicians to escape criminal prosecution.

Justice Minister Florin Iordache justified the changes, which bypass parliament and will enter into force almost automatically, as needed "to bring the legislation in line with the decisions of the constitutional court".