Romanian prosecutors arrest 10 over violence at shepherd’s protest, 14 more proposed for detention

Judicial control was imposed on 3 other defendants for 60 days, with specific obligations, including a ban on participating in public gatherings. Another 14 people charged in the same case will appear before a judge with a proposal for pre-trial detention.

Overall, 27 people were detained during searches for the violent protest this week. They have the status of defendants and were accused of assaulting a public official, assault or other violence, destruction, and disturbing public order and peace.

According to the investigation, the individuals assaulted both gendarmes and journalists during the protest.

“Hard objects were thrown at gendarmes while they were carrying out their duties, with several of them being hit. Physical violence was also committed against two employees of a media company, and a vehicle belonging to the Romanian Gendarmerie was damaged,” the Prosecutor’s Office said in its press release.

Among those investigated for violent acts and placed in pre-trial detention were two members of the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR). The two are suspected of having taken part in clashes with the gendarmes and in the attempt to overturn a Gendarmerie vehicle.

In connection with their arrest, AUR first deputy chairman Petrișor Peiu said that the party had no involvement in organizing the demonstration and that it will not defend its members if it is proven that they broke the law, according to Ziare.com.