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Tensions rise over violent protests

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — The mayor of Bucharest claims party colleagues are trying to indirectly blame her for the police response to an anti-corruption protest that left 450 people injured.

Fallout over the Aug. 10 protest has led to tensions in Romania’s ruling Social Democratic Party, after 750 people filed legal complaints against riot police alleging mistreatment.

Mayor Gabriela Firea, who appeared as a witness before prosecutors today over the protest, later claimed some Social Democrats are trying to make her former aide, Bucharest prefect Speranta Cliseru, a scapegoat for the violence. The prefect ordered police to break up the protest.

Police fired tear gas and used water cannons and truncheons during the protest attended by tens of thousands. Some individuals lobbed rocks and bottles at police.

Firea was abroad on the day of the protest.

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