20 people detained after violence in Victory Square, 10 proposed for preventive arrest
Prosecutors from the Prosecutor's Office attached to Bucharest Tribunal have ordered the detention of 20 defendants and requested the preventive arrest of 10 of them following violence on 15 September in Victory Square.
Searches in 16 counties following clashes with gendarmes in Victory Square
Prosecutors from the Prosecutor's Office attached to Bucharest Tribunal ordered on Tuesday the detention for 24 hours of 20 people investigated in connection with violence committed on 15 September in Victory Square, according to ProTV News. Against 10 of them, prosecutors referred the matter to the judge of rights and freedoms with a proposal for preventive arrest for 30 days.
The protest had been initiated by farmers but was later taken over by organised groups of individuals who triggered serious incidents against law enforcement.
On the morning of 22 September, prosecutors executed 29 home searches across 16 counties and enforced 30 summons issued in the names of persons being investigated as suspects.
The investigations concern the offences of public incitement, insult, assault or other violence, destruction and disturbance of public order and peace.
From the evidence gathered thus far it emerged that some of the participants threw kerb stones, bottles, metal fences and pyrotechnic materials in the direction of gendarmes carrying out their duties. Some protesters struck gendarmes with their fists, feet and batons, and a Romanian Gendarmerie vehicle was vandalised. Several gendarmes suffered traumatic injuries as a result of this violence, according to a statement from the Bucharest Tribunal Prosecutor's Office.
Two employees of a media organisation, present at the scene whilst carrying out their professional duties, were also physically assaulted by some of the protesters.
The investigation is being carried out by the Prosecutor's Office attached to Bucharest Tribunal together with officers from the General Police Directorate of Bucharest Municipality – Criminal Investigation Service and Violent Criminal Groups Service. Investigations continue with the questioning of other persons involved.
Bucharest prosecutors clarified that the initiation of criminal proceedings and the ordering of preventive measures represent stages of the criminal process governed by the Code of Criminal Procedure and do not prejudice the presumption of innocence.
Source: Știrile ProTV