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Around 800 people were still in the streets, on Saturday night, after 20:00, when theoretically the traffic bans come into force during the weekend in Bucharest. On the other hand, it is the night of the Resurrection for Catholic, Protestant and Lutheran believers, and traffic restrictions apply after 2:00.
UPDATE 22:00 The protesters ended their protest in front of the Palace of Parliament. Physically exhausted by the itinerary made University Square – Victoriei Square – Izvor Park, but also because of the rain, many decided to go home, although initially they were going to stay until midnight.
UPDATE 20:30 Some of the protesters in Victoriei Square marched towards Izvor Park, even though the rain had intensified. They want to get to the Plaza de la Revolución. The gendarmes accompany them and traffic in Calea Victoriei is partially restricted.
The protesters initially gathered in the University Square from where they marched through the center of the Capital to the Government headquarters. People stayed there even after 20:00, even though it had started to rain.
Authorities say they will only impose sanctions if necessary, although gathering groups of more than 100 people is prohibited. However, the gendarmes emphasize that the objective is for these people to be safe and, therefore, they favor dialogue.
So far there have been no major incidents, but most of the participants do not follow the distance rules and do not wear protective masks. Also, they were caught in a choir.
The protesters chanted slogans against those in power, demanding in particular the resignation of Prime Minister Florin Cîțu and the head of the DSU, Raed Arafat. Others do not agree with the tests, nor with the mandatory vaccination, although there is no project in this regard.
The Digi24 reporter transmits that among the protesters there are two groups: one around the AUR party and a different one, of people who are not necessarily politically affiliated, but who do not agree with the restrictions.
The call to participate in this action was launched through social networks, announcing the organizers that “it will be the largest protest in recent years.” People began to gather in the University Square from 17:00.
The protesters arrived with tricolor flags, vuvuzelas, saucepans and other dishes. They shouted “Down with the mask”, “Freedom” and displayed banners with messages such as “Down with the terrorists who guide us”, “We do not want air with the portion”, “Your indifference ignites our Romania,” he reports. Agerpres.
After 6:40 p.m., the protesters marched towards Victoriei Square, where they were joined by a column of members and supporters of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), including its leader, MP George Simion.
The gendarmes distributed information leaflets to the protesters on the need to comply with the anti-COVID-19 protection regulations and accompanied the column of protesters in the march towards Victoriei Square.
The protests with a smaller number of participants were organized on Saturday night in other cities of the country such as Constanta, Cluj-Napoca and Deva.
The gendarmerie announces that the event organizers will be fined
The representative of the General Directorate of Gendarmes of Bucharest, Alexandru Iacob, announced that the organizers of the protest against the restrictions against the spread of SARS-CoV-2 that takes place on Saturday night in the center of the capital will be fined for exceeding the number of 100 participants allowed for public meetings.
“The Capital Gendarmerie ensures the measures of order in the public assemblies that take place today in Bucharest. We want to specify that the gendarmes are here for the safety of all the participants in these protests, but also for the safety of other citizens. We remind you that at this time in the capital we have restrictions, both travel restrictions after 2:00, and restrictions on the organization of public meetings with a maximum of 100 people. So far we have had no incidents and we want to thank everyone who understood to respect the law. Penalties for violation will apply. (…) Yes, we have organizers, there are declared protests and this facilitates our mission because we have someone to relate to, how to have a permanent connection with the participants in the public assembly through a representative of them. (…) We will apply the law, as we have done so far, ”said the spokesman for the General Directorate of Gendarmes in Bucharest, in a press release held near the ongoing demonstration in Victoriei Square.
Likewise, the representative of the Capital Police, Chief Inspector Dragoş-Ciprian Romanescu, thanked the protesters for protesting peacefully, without incident.
“The Capital Police is still in service today, the police from the Traffic Police Brigade were in transit and ensured the flow of traffic, no traffic restrictions were applied so that citizens could reach their destination safely. We support the Gendarmerie to guarantee peace and public order. We are currently resorting to dialogue, avoiding the appearance of any regrettable event. We hope there are no incidents until the end of this protest, “said Dragoş-Ciprian Romanescu.
Editor: Luana Pavaluca
