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New COVID-19 Lockdown Sparks Protests Across Romania

More than 1,000 people protested on March 29 in Bucharest against restrictions aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19. Anti-lockdown demonstrations also took place in Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, Constanta, and several other cities across the Romania. The demonstrations were mainly organized by the far-right AUR Party, which has supported anti-vaccination protests.

On March 29, Romania reported its highest number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care units -- almost 1,400 -- since the pandemic started, with another 12,000 needing hospital care. The country, with a population of more than 19 million, has had more than 940,000 confirmed infections and 23,234 deaths.
People protesting against the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions shout "Freedom!" outside the government headquarters in Bucharest on March 29. The protests across the country took place a day after new lockdown measures came into force.
1 People protesting against the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions shout "Freedom!" outside the government headquarters in Bucharest on March 29. The protests across the country took place a day after new lockdown measures came into force.
Romanian police officers struggle to detain a man. ​Around 2,000 people took part in a protest and march in downtown Bucharest, claiming that the restrictions limit their civil rights.
2 Romanian police officers struggle to detain a man. ​Around 2,000 people took part in a protest and march in downtown Bucharest, claiming that the restrictions limit their civil rights.
A man displays the Romanian flag during the protest in Bucharest.
3 A man displays the Romanian flag during the protest in Bucharest.
The march in downtown Bucharest
4 The march in downtown Bucharest
A young man holds up a sign that reads: "We are in isolation," while watching the Bucharest protest from his window.
5 A young man holds up a sign that reads: "We are in isolation," while watching the Bucharest protest from his window.
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Some protesters threw firecrackers at the police in Bucharest.
7 Some protesters threw firecrackers at the police in Bucharest.
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Broken glass is seen at a bus stop after stones were thrown by protesters.
9 Broken glass is seen at a bus stop after stones were thrown by protesters.
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A vending machine broken during the protests
12 A vending machine broken during the protests
At least 10 people were detained in Bucharest.
13 At least 10 people were detained in Bucharest.
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