Romanians ramp up protests against corruption decree

Demonstrators take to the streets as ombudsman challenges amendment that would decriminalise minor graft offences. Tens of thousands of people across Romania have rallied for a fourth day, protesting against what they deem an alarming retreat in the country's fight against corruption. The marches on Friday came as the political crisis over a controversial decree showed no sign of easing. Earlier, Romania's ombudsman went to the Constitutional Court to challenge the decree that decriminalises abuse-of-power offences in which the sums do not exceed 200,000 lei ($48,000). A separate bill, to go before parliament, would free some 2,500 prisoners on short sentences.