Romanian Prisoners Launch Coordinated Protests

(RFE/RL) December 10, 2006 -- Hundreds of inmates at eight prisons around Romania launched hunger strikes and other forms of protest today to demand amnesty and better living conditions.

The action comes just days after a parliamentary committee's rejection of a bill aimed at relieving prison overcrowding.

Under that draft bill, inmates with sentences under five years would win early release. The measure would reportedly extend to an estimated 10,000 prisoners.

Justice Minister Monica Macovei said today that her government will build new prisons to relieve overcrowding.

(AP)