Thousands of Romanians have protested against draft government decrees that would pardon hundreds of criminals and decriminalise corruption offences, The Financial Times reported on Monday.
Critics say the ordinances could cripple Romania’s fight against corruption, which is the most wide-ranging crackdown on graft in central and eastern Europe.
President Klaus Iohannis was among an estimated 20,000 who demonstrated in Bucharest against the proposals. “People have a right to be outraged as a gang of politicians facing criminal problems want to change the legislation and weaken the rule of law,” Iohannis told protesters on Sunday night. “It’s unacceptable to change laws just to close files on hundreds of politicians who are in trouble with the law.”
The political clashes come against the backdrop of an accelerating anti-corruption campaign that has convicted thousands for corruption. Romania still reports the highest levels of petty bribery in the EU, according to Transparency International.
The newly elected government published the draft decrees last week, arguing that changes were necessary to reform the criminal code and reduce overcrowding in prisons. However, analysts say the changes would affect less than 10 per cent of the prison population. The measures, which are open to consultation for 10 days, include decriminalizing abuse of power that causes financial damage worth less than 200,000 lei ($47,500).
Source: MENA
GMT 15:34 2018 Friday ,14 December
Moscow ready for Putin-Trump meetingGMT 13:40 2018 Friday ,14 December
Britain and EU should prepare for second Brexit referendumGMT 11:43 2018 Friday ,14 December
Kosovo to build an army amid tensions with SerbiaGMT 11:52 2018 Thursday ,13 December
Britain's May to appeal to EU for help to salvage Brexit dealGMT 10:28 2018 Wednesday ,12 December
Huawei Executive Gets Bail In Case Rattling China TiesGMT 09:01 2018 Tuesday ,11 December
US marines missing after aircraft collision off Japan confirmed deadGMT 08:55 2018 Monday ,10 December
Top EU court to issue decision on reversal of BrexitGMT 08:37 2018 Monday ,10 December
Peruvians vote for anti-corruption reformsMaintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor