Romanian shepards and farmers clash with police

What the report says

Riot police in Bucharest clashed with Romanian shepherds, farmers and their supporters on Tuesday during a protest against the extension of a ban on live sheep exports. According to Al Jazeera’s report based on AFP and DPA material, about 2,000 people gathered outside the Romanian government headquarters, with the demonstration linked to the European Union’s restrictions over a highly contagious livestock disease.

The protest turned violent after some demonstrators tried to force a reversal of the ban and threw rocks, metal barriers and other objects at police. Officers used tear gas to disperse the crowd. Police said 26 people were detained, and 24 demonstrators and officers needed medical care; four people were hospitalized.

The rally was organized by farmer and shepherd groups and was also encouraged by far-right forces, the report said. Some participants chanted the name of far-right politician Calin Georgescu, while George Simion, leader of the AUR party, publicly expressed support for farmers but urged peaceful protest. The Romanian government and opposition both called for calm, and President Nicusor Dan condemned the violence.

The dispute comes amid broader strain in Romania, including high inflation and an ongoing political crisis. A previous protest over the same export ban took place in late July, and the current restriction is set to expire at the end of 2026.