A protest by some 2,000 coal miners en route to Bucharest was crushed by police February 17. Traditionally, Romanian miners have wielded strong political power by marching in protest, and they have not been afraid to use force. The miners flexed their muscles in January and won demands from the government, but this time the government was ready. Force didn’t work, and many miners now face long jail sentences. Follow local press reports for notice of further demonstrations, and avoid large gatherings.
