New searches of individuals suspected of committing violence at last month’s shepherds’ protest / 21 people from Bucharest and 11 counties are targeted; they allegedly assaulted gendarmes and journalists

The Capital Police are conducting searches in Bucharest and 11 counties in a case concerning the violence that occurred during the September 15 protest. The operation is coordinated by prosecutors from the Prosecutor’s Office attached to the Bucharest Tribunal and aims to document the acts and establish the responsibility of the persons involved.

The raids are taking place in the counties of Giurgiu, Călărași, Teleorman, Argeș, Brăila, Maramureș, Galați, Sălaj, Mureș, Brașov and Iași. Police officers from the Violent Criminal Groups Service and the Central Criminal Investigations Service are participating in the operation.

Investigators are targeting offenses such as public incitement, assault on public officials, disturbing public order and peace, destruction, and assault or other acts of violence. According to the police, during the demonstration, participants allegedly threw curbs, bottles, metal fences and pyrotechnic objects at the gendarmes. Several members of the law enforcement forces were allegedly struck with fists, feet and wooden objects.

Violence was also allegedly committed against two journalists, while a special vehicle and other property belonging to the Gendarmerie were allegedly destroyed. So far, 38 preventive measures have been ordered in the case: 28 pretrial detentions, six house arrests and four judicial supervision measures.