Over 3,000 people gathered downtown Bucharest for the fifth night in a row to protest against corruption, politicians. The day coincided with a sad event related to the ‘Colectiv’ fire effects: other nine persons who were seriously injured in the blaze passed away while in hospitals. When people present there heard about the latest news regarding the last two deaths, they kneeled quietly to pay a tribute to those who passed away.
Protesters met at the fountain area in Universitate Square and in front of the National Theatre, then occupied the street, blocking the two-way traffic: to Romana Square and to Unirii Square.
People said they took to the streets again as they keep hoping to make a change through their ideals. The main slogan spoken out was “Corruption kills!” Other spoke on the air” they want clearer laws that cannot be interpreted anymore. They want more respect, a decency sign on behalf of the decision makers.
Protesters were chanting “Colectiv, Colectiv”, “Out with the Mafia, “Solidarity” and “Romanian, wake up”. Placards were flustered: “Wake up, Romanians, as you began to really die,” “Schools, not cathedrals”.
The “Colectiv” newspaper was distributed among the demonstrators, with the latest issue presenting details in the blaze’s victims.
Protests in London
Several hundreds persons also protested in London on Friday and Saturday, expressing their solidarity with the demonstrators in Romania. They displayed messages such as “Corruption kills Romania”, “Down with the entire political class”, “Down with the thieves,” “The day we give in is the day we die”, “London stands by you”, “Together we can change something”.
The protesters laid flowers and lit candles near the Consular Section of the Romania’s Embassy in London and in front of the Romanian Cultural Institute in the British capital.