BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — A U.S. official has urged Romanians to avoid the violence that has tarred a week of anti-government protests that have swept the country, injuring more than 60.
U.S. State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said in comments broadcast Friday by Romanian media that Washington supported people's right to protest and express their views "peacefully."
"But we call on both protesters and authorities to refrain from any violence," she added.
A majority of the protests have been peaceful, but riot police official Aurel Moise said 100 protesters had been questioned Thursday on suspicion of throwing stones and using iron fences to break through police lines.
Police used tear gas after protesters started a fire and set up a barricade. Five people were injured.
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