BUCHAREST – Thousands of Romanians have marched against widespread illegal logging, which is believed to be behind the deaths of two forest workers in the past two months.
An estimated 4,000 people marched here, according to local TV stations while smaller demonstrations took place in other Romanian cities on Sunday.
The protests, organized by Greenpeace Romania and other environmental groups, demanded thorough criminal investigations into the deaths and attacks against forest workers.
The Silva trade union federation says six foresters have been killed in recent years while another 650 forest workers were beaten and attacked after catching illegal loggers in the act.
Romania, which is home to some of Europe’s last remaining virgin forests and diverse wildlife, is losing an estimated three to nine hectares of forest per hour due to illegal logging, according to Greenpeace.(Reuters)
