BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — An international rights group on Friday called on Romanian authorities to investigate allegations of police violence against demonstrators during two weeks of anti-government street protests.
Amnesty International said video footage showed police beating two people who were not behaving violently. It also claimed police hit and sprayed chemicals on a man lying on the ground.
In a statement, the group urged authorities to conduct “a prompt, independent, thorough and effective investigation.”
Prosecutors are investigating four police officers for their conduct during the clashes.
On Friday, dozens massed in Bucharest’s University Square, despite the frigid weather and falling snow, yelling “Shame on you!”
They called for the resignation of the government and President Traian Basescu, whom they blame for austerity cuts and ineffective government.
