Around 440 people, including 24 police officers, were injured during an overnight mass demonstration against government corruption in Bucharest, emergency services announced Saturday.

At least 65 people were hospitalized after police used tear gas, water cannons and truncheons against some of the 11,000 people that had gathered in the Romanian capital to protest corruption and demand the resignation of key government figures. </s> BUCHAREST: More than 450 people were hurt and around 30 arrested during a huge anti-corruption protest in Bucharest, Romanian police said on Saturday, a day after the rally.

Police had used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the protesters as tens of thousands rallied to call on the leftwing government to resign.

Many demonstrators needed treatment after inhaling pepper spray and tear gas, while others suffered blows, hospital sources said.

Around 30 police were also injured, 11 of whom were taken to hospital.

Police rejected criticism from the centre-right opposition that its officers had used excessive force, saying its response to violence by dozens of protesters had been "gradual and proportionate".

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, whose country currently holds the EU rotating presidency, criticised the clashes, which also saw a cameraman for Austria´s public broadcaster injured.

"We strongly condemn the violent clashes in Bucharest where numerous demonstrators and journalists were injured. We expect full explanations," he said on Twitter.

"Freedom of expression and, related to that, freedom of the press are basic freedoms of the EU, which we clearly recognise and which must be unconditionally protected."

Local media said up to 80,000 people had taken to the streets, among them many Romanian expatriates who returned home to show their anger at the graft in one of the EU´s most corruption-plagued member states.

About a thousand officers in riot gear intervened to clear the crowds assembled in a central square outside the main government building after some protesters tried to break through the police cordon.

Romania´s centre-right President Klaus Iohannis, a critic of the government, said he "strongly condemned the brutal intervention of the police, which was disproportionate to the attitude of most demonstrators" but added that "any form of violence is unacceptable".

Prime Minister Viorica Dancila, in turn, accused Iohannis of "inciting the population against the authorities" and "using the dramatic effects of the events".

Another demonstration is planned for later Saturday in Bucharest.

In a controversial move last month, Romania sacked top anti-graft prosecutor Laura Codruta Kovesi -- considered a symbol of the country´s fight against corruption.

With Kovesi at the helm, the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor´s Office (DNA) had led a crackdown on corruption among local and national elected officials, earning the enmity of many in Romania´s political class and prompting critics to accuse it of abuse of power. </s> Tens of thousands gathered on Saturday in the Romanian capital Bucharest for a second straight day of demonstrations after more than 450 people were hurt and around 30 arrested in a huge anti-corruption protest.

Police came in for criticism after they used water cannons and tear gas on Friday to disperse protesters calling on the leftwing government to resign.

Many demonstrators needed treatment after inhaling pepper spray and tear gas, while others suffered blows, hospital sources said. About 30 police were also injured, 11 of whom were taken to hospital.

Massive crowds gathered in downtown Bucharest on Saturday night, watched by security forces as they chanted: “Down with the government” and “Justice, not corruption”.

“I came after seeing what happened on Friday on television – the brutality of the police against peaceful people,” said Floarea Toader, 64, the national yellow, blue and red flag draped across her shoulders.

“My children work in Spain and they would like to come back. But for now that’s not possible as the politicians are only interested in themselves and do nothing for anyone else.”

About 4 million people have left the country – one of the European Union’s poorest – in the past 15 years, seeking a better life than that offered by Romania’s average monthly wage of just €520 (£465).

Police rejected criticism from the centre-right opposition that its officers had used excessive force on Friday, saying its response to violence by dozens of protesters had been “gradual and proportionate”.

Sebastian Kurz, Austria’s chancellor, whose country currently holds the EU rotating presidency, criticised the violence, in which a cameraman for Austria’s public broadcaster was also hurt.

“We strongly condemn the violent clashes in Bucharest where numerous demonstrators and journalists were injured. We expect full explanations,” he said on Twitter.

Local media said up to 80,000 people had taken to the streets, among them many Romanian expatriates who returned home to show their anger at the graft in one of the EU’s most corruption-plagued member states.

About 1,000 officers in riot gear intervened to clear the crowds assembled in a central square outside the main government building after some protesters tried to break through the police cordon.

Eugene, a 62-year-old construction worker, travelled specially to Bucharest on Friday to protest at what he said was “endemic corruption”. He added: “But things quickly turned bad: they fired tear gas at us, it was unbearable.”

Another demonstrator, Madalina, 22, said of Friday’s clashes: “We couldn’t breathe and we had to seek shelter in the surrounding streets.”

Klaus Iohannis, Romania’s centre-right president and critic of the government, said he “strongly condemned the brutal intervention of the police, which was disproportionate to the attitude of most demonstrators” but added that “any form of violence is unacceptable”.

Viorica Dancila, the pprime minister, in turn accused Iohannis of “inciting the population against the authorities”.

In a controversial move last month, Romania sacked top anti-graft prosecutor Laura Codruta Kovesi, who is considered a symbol of the country’s fight against corruption.

With Kovesi at the helm, the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (DNA) had led a crackdown on corruption among local and national elected officials, earning the enmity of many in Romania’s political class and prompting critics to accuse it of an abuse of power.

Before Kovesi’s sacking, thousands of protesters took to the streets in support of her. There have also been long-running waves of protests against judicial reforms – at their peak drawing an estimated half a million people nationwide in February 2017. </s> BUCHAREST: More than 450 people were hurt during a huge anti-corruption protest in Bucharest, Romanian police said on Saturday (Aug 11), a day after the rally at which around 30 people were arrested.

Police had used water cannon and tear gas to disperse the protesters as tens of thousands rallied to call on the leftwing government to resign.

Many demonstrators needed treatment after inhaling pepper spray and tear gas, while others suffered blows, hospital sources said.

Around 30 police were also injured, 11 of whom were taken to hospital.

Police rejected criticism from the centre-right opposition that its officers had used excessive force, saying its response to violence by dozens of protesters had been "gradual and proportionate".

Local media said up to 80,000 people had taken to the streets, among them many Romanian expatriates who returned home to show their anger at the graft in one of the EU's most corruption-plagued member states.

About a thousand officers in riot gear intervened to clear the crowds assembled in a central square outside the main government building after some protesters tried to break through the police cordon.

Romania's centre-right President Klaus Iohannis, a critic of the government, said he "strongly condemned the brutal intervention of the police, which was disproportionate to the attitude of most demonstrators" but added that "any form of violence is unacceptable".

Another demonstration is planned for later Saturday in Bucharest.

In a controversial move last month, Romania sacked top anti-graft prosecutor Laura Codruta Kovesi - considered a symbol of the country's fight against corruption.

With Kovesi at the helm, the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office had led a crackdown on corruption among local and national elected officials, earning the enmity of many in Romania's political class and prompting critics to accuse it of abuse of power. </s> Romanian police on Saturday defended their use of force after an anti-government protest turned violent leaving 455 people, including three dozen riot police, needing medical treatment.

Marius Militaru, spokesman for Romania's riot police, said 70 people, including 11 riot police, were taken to hospitals the previous night, and police are pursuing charges against eight people.

There were no immediate reports of life-threatening injuries, but Militaru said a female colleague had been "brutally beaten" and has a suspected fractured spine.

He said officers were ordered by the Bucharest prefecture — government authorities in charge of the capital— to evacuate Victory Square late Friday after an hours-long protest in front of the government offices that drew tens of thousands of expatriate Romanians and local residents demanding the government's resignation.

Another police spokesman, Georgian Enache, said "the legitimate state violence," was justified because protesters had been warned several times to leave the square.

Riot police fired tear gas and water cannons to quell protesters. Some individuals lobbed rocks, bottles and smoke bombs at riot police. There were accusations that soccer hooligans had infiltrated the largely peaceful protest and deliberately committed acts of violence.

Some people sustained head and other injuries, while others were overcome by tear gas, authorities said.

Late Friday, President Klaus Iohannis, a critic of the left-wing government, condemned "the brutal intervention of riot police."

There was no immediate comment from the government.

Three journalists said they were also subjected to violence from the police.

Austria's public broadcaster ORF said Saturday a cameraman covering the protest for the post was hit by police with truncheons, while the presenter with him was shoved up against a wall. A journalist filming the rally Romania's Hotnews online news site said he was kicked and shoved by riot police.

Another protest is scheduled for Saturday evening. Organizers say they want to show the anger over what they say is entrenched government corruption.

They say the governing leftist Social Democratic Party has proposed decriminalizing several corruption offences and has attempted to weaken the judiciary. </s> Tens of thousands of Romanians held another anti-government protest Saturday a day after a previous demonstration turned violent, leaving 455 people in need of medical treatment.

Protesters carrying Romanian, European Union and other flags rallied Saturday outside government offices in Bucharest, the capital — the same place where the protest Friday had degenerated into violence.

“Have no fear! Romanians will rise up!” and “You thieves!” they yelled. Protesters blew vuvuzelas and shone the words “Down with the government” on the government offices.

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Critics say Romania has lost ground in fighting corruption since the ruling Social Democratic Party assumed power in 2016. They are urging the government to resign and call a new election.

Sorin Radu, who works in IT, said he was protesting “because we have a government where many are corrupt.

“The people who rule have no connection with ordinary people. I’m here to try and change something,” he said.

“We want to return to Romania, but there’s too much corruption and the health care is dismal,” said Isabela Conduruta, a 45-year-old who’s worked as a cleaner for 12 years in Germany.

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Earlier Saturday, Romanian riot police defended their use of force at Friday night protest in which 70 people, including 11 riot police, had to be taken to the hospital. Dozens of others were treated at the scene.

Riot police spokesman Marius Militaru said police are pursuing charges against eight people for the violence.

Militaru said officers were ordered by Bucharest officials to evacuate Victory Square late Friday after an hours-long protest in front of government offices that drew tens of thousands demanding the government’s resignation.

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Another police spokesman, Georgian Enache, said “the legitimate state violence” was justified because protesters had been warned several times to leave the square.

Riot police fired tear gas and water cannons to quell protesters. Some people lobbed rocks, bottles and smoke bombs at riot police.

Interior Minister Carmen Dan said the riot police hadn’t “intervened against peaceful protesters but against dangerous hooligans who attacked the state’s authority.”

But President Klaus Iohannis, a critic of the left-wing government, condemned “the brutal intervention of the riot police.”

Three journalists also said they were roughed up by police.

Austrian public broadcaster ORF said Saturday that a cameraman covering the protest was hit by police with truncheons and the TV presenter with him was shoved up against a wall. A journalist filming the rally for Romania’s Hotnews online website said he was kicked and shoved by riot police. </s> Tens of thousands of Romanians flocked to the anti-government protest organised by expatriates on Friday, urging the left-wing ruling Social Democrat (PSD) government to resign and call an early election. People shine lights on their mobile phones during protests outside the Romanian government headquarters in Bucharest. AP Tens of thousands of Romanians flocked to the anti-government protest organised by expatriates on...

The expatriates said they were angry at how Romania is being governed. An estimated three million Romanians live abroad, and some say they left because of corruption, low wages and a lack of opportunities. A man throws a plastic bottle at riot police during protests. AP The expatriates said they were angry at how Romania is being governed. An estimated three million...

Some participants scuffled with riot police when they tried to break through a police line guarding the government offices. AP Some participants scuffled with riot police when they tried to break through a police line...

The protesters in the capital on Friday waved Romanian, European Union, Spanish, Italian and other national flags, and yelled "Justice, not corruption!" They also called the ruling party "the red plague." AP The protesters in the capital on Friday waved Romanian, European Union, Spanish, Italian and...

Nearly 440 people, including two dozen riot police, received medical treatment. Some sustained head injuries, while others were overcome by the tear gas, the Bucharest-Ilfov Emergency Service said. AP Nearly 440 people, including two dozen riot police, received medical treatment. Some sustained... </s> Hundreds of people have been injured after a massive anti-corruption rally in Bucharest, spearheaded by expats calling on the government to resign, turned violent, forcing riot police to use water cannons and tear gas.What eventually grew into a massive, 60,000-strong rally began at noon, when roughly 200 expats gathered to protest corruption, low wages and attempts by the PSD to weaken the judiciary. Initiated by diaspora associations, Romanians living abroad waved the national tricolor and EU flags and chanted slogans against the government and the Social Democratic Party (PSD), such as 'Down PSD!', 'Thieves!' and 'Resign!' They also held banners reading 'Citizens have the right and duty to defend Romania', and 'No: Corrupt Romania, Corrupt MPs'.Before authorities moved in to curb the unrest, the head of the Romanian Gendarmerie Service, Marius Militaru, urged all women and children to leave, warning that provocateurs might use them "as a shield to protect themselves." Militaru noted that the violent crowd threw bottles and pieces of asphalt at police lines.Law enforcement pushed the crowd from the square to adjacent streets. While most activists went home, a few pockets of rowdy protesters continued to engage the police into the night. </s> BUCHAREST, Romania — Some 10,000 people marched through Romania's capital and other cities on Sunday to protest a government proposal to pardon thousands of prisoners, a move critics said would set back anti-corruption efforts.

Protesters massed in Bucharest's University Square called the ruling Social Democratic Party "the red plague." They later marched to Victory Square, where the government has its main offices.

Premier Sorin Grindeanu has requested an emergency ordinance allowing the government to pardon prisoners to ease prison overcrowding. On Sunday, he said the protests had been "politicized" and criticized President Klaus Iohannis, who took part in a similar protest a week ago.

Critics say the proposal would benefit party allies convicted of corruption. Romania's top prosecutor has criticized the plan.

It would primarily affect people serving sentences of less than five years, except those convicted of sexual or violent crimes.

Prisoners over age 60, pregnant women and inmates with young children would see their sentences halved regardless of the charges on which they were convicted.

According to a draft of the proposal, the government also intends to decriminalize official misconduct that involves financial damage valued at less than 200,000 lei ($47,800.)

The government says its proposal would lead to the release of 2,500 prisoners. Prison authorities estimate 3,700 would be freed.

Along with Bucharest, protests were held in the Cluj, Timisoara and more than a dozen cities around Romania.
452 people are injured in clashes between protesters and police during an anti-government meeting in Bucharest, Romania.