Romania protests grow over corruption decree

The Romanian capital, Bucharest, has seen one of its largest ever anti-government protests after a decree was passed that could free dozens of officials jailed for corruption.

A crowd of at least 150,000 was reported outside government offices late on Wednesday and rallies took place in other towns and cities.

As the protesters dispersed, a group of football supporters threw firecrackers at police who responded with tear gas.

The decree was passed late on Tuesday.

The leftist government, led by Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), only returned to power in December after protests forced its last leader from power in October 2015.

The new government says the decree is needed to ease overcrowding in prisons but Mr Grindeanu’s critics say he is trying to release allies convicted of corruption.

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