Thousands stage anti-corruption, gov't protest

BUCHAREST, (AP):

Thousands of people gathered yesterday in Romania's capital and other cities to protest a contentious judicial overhaul they say will make it harder to prosecute senior officials for graft.

Romanians of all ages assembled in Bucharest's Victory Square on for the protest held under a motto of "We want Europe, not a dictatorship!"

They blew whistles, waved Romanian flags and yelled "Resign!" Police ringed part of the square and placed traffic restrictions in the area.

There were smaller protests in other cities.

Anti-corruption demonstrations have been held regularly in Romania since the current left-wing government came to power in 2016 and started pursuing legal changes that critics fear will weaken the fight against corruption.

"This government is dragging us away from Europe," said Gabriel Vasilache, a 35-year-old manager attending yesterday's demonstration.