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Moldova: Huge anti-corruption protest in Chisinau | |
(about 9 hours later) | |
Thousands of people are taking part in another large anti-corruption protest in the Moldovan capital, Chisinau. | |
There have been reports of clashes between rival groups. | |
Protesters demand the government's resignation and early elections over a $1bn (£655m) bank fraud. | |
Last week, tens of thousands of people protested against the failure of the authorities to hold to account those responsible for the disappearance of the cash from the country's banks. | Last week, tens of thousands of people protested against the failure of the authorities to hold to account those responsible for the disappearance of the cash from the country's banks. |
They argue that their living standards have been damaged by the fraud. | They argue that their living standards have been damaged by the fraud. |
The state was forced to bail three banks out last year after the money vanished from their coffers. | The state was forced to bail three banks out last year after the money vanished from their coffers. |
Correspondents say streets in the city centre have been cordoned off and there is a heavy police presence. | |
Privately-owned news channel Publika TV said clashes between supporters of the Dignity and Justice civic platform and a group advocating Moldova's unification with Romania broke out soon after the rally began. | |
Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe and the fraud has resulted in a depreciation of the national currency, the leu. | Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe and the fraud has resulted in a depreciation of the national currency, the leu. |
A leaked report last week said that a 28-year-old businessman, Ilan Shor, was the main co-ordinator and beneficiary - but in an exclusive BBC interview he proclaimed his innocence. | A leaked report last week said that a 28-year-old businessman, Ilan Shor, was the main co-ordinator and beneficiary - but in an exclusive BBC interview he proclaimed his innocence. |
Much of the money passed through UK companies. | Much of the money passed through UK companies. |
Many demonstrators have been camped out in the city centre since a similar protest last Sunday. | |
And organisers from the Dignity and Justice movement have warned that their supporters will stay camped out near the government building in Chisinau's main square until their demands are met. | |
Many protesters directed their criticism at Moldova's super-wealthy oligarchs - a source of much anger in one of Europe's poorest countries. | Many protesters directed their criticism at Moldova's super-wealthy oligarchs - a source of much anger in one of Europe's poorest countries. |
Sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova signed an association agreement taking it closer to European Union membership last year, despite opposition from Moscow. | Sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova signed an association agreement taking it closer to European Union membership last year, despite opposition from Moscow. |