Farmers' protest in Romania: 24 injured, 26 detained

Thousands of farmers and breeders from all over Romania protested in Victoriei Square in the capital Bucharest due to the suspension of live sheep exports due to animal diseases, dissatisfaction with compensation payments after culling policies and distrust of the veterinary institution.

During the protest, demonstrators called on the government to lift bans on live animal exports. Within the framework of the demonstration, the inadequacy of state support, increasing taxes and the financial burdens placed on the agricultural sector were also protested.

Demonstrators dispersed in groups at different points of the square in order to prevent vehicle traffic in the square. Security forces used tear gas to intervene against demonstrators. During the protest, a conflict broke out between security forces and demonstrators, with some of the demonstrators throwing bottles and similar objects at the security forces and one group trying to break the security cordon.

24 INJURED, 26 DETAINED

While 24 people were injured as a result of the incidents, 4 of the injured were taken to hospital for treatment. Bucharest Gendarmerie announced that 26 people were detained due to the events.

"ACTS OF AGGRESSIVE AND VANDALISM SHOULD BE SEVERELY PUNISHED"

Romanian President Nicusor Dan issued a statement regarding the demonstration and said, "I unequivocally condemn every attempt to turn a legitimate protest into street clashes. Acts of aggression and vandalism must be severely punished. Inciting violence and attempts by irresponsible politicians to escalate social tension are unacceptable."

George Simion, leader of the opposition far-right Romanians' Unity Alliance (AUR), accused the gendarmerie of using excessive force and argued that the events were an indication that people were starting to run out of patience with the government.