Bucharest Police Investigate Extremist Posters Following Sexual Assault, Amidst Rise in Far-Right Symbolism
Bucharest, Romania – capital Police are investigating teh appearance of extremist posters in central Bucharest, following a recent case of sexual violence, and are working to identify those responsible. The posters, featuring non-elegious and far-right symbols, have sparked outrage and concern over a growing trend of extremist messaging in the city.
According to a statement from the General Directorate of Bucharest municipal Police (DGPMB), “Currently, actions are ongoing to identify and detect the suspected person that he has committed the deed… Simultaneously occurring, the necessary steps were taken to remove the respective posters.” The DGPMB affirmed they are treating the situation wiht “maximum seriousness” and will “continue to act firmly and professionally, in accordance with the legal norms in force.”
The posters represent a wider resurgence of extremist symbolism in Bucharest,monitored by the civic initiative “We want change.” The group has documented stickers and graffiti displaying forbidden symbols, including those of the Iron Guard and the Legionary Movement, appearing since last year in areas like Magheru boulevard, near the North Station, and close to schools.
Romanian law (Law 217/2015, amending GEO 31/2002) prohibits the creation, distribution, or display of fascist, legionary, racist, or xenophobic symbols, with violations punishable by up to three years imprisonment and restriction of rights. However, enforcement has been inconsistent, with repeated appearances of such materials highlighting gaps in monitoring and sanctioning.
“We want change” has actively reported incidents to authorities, leading to the removal of vandalized road signs in central areas. In November 2023, the group documented widespread propaganda and successfully prompted the town hall to remove stickers and posters bearing messages like “1927, we returned” and portraits of Corneliu Zelea Codreanu and Ion Antonescu from locations including calea Victoriei, Revolution Square, and Bd. Nicolae Bălcescu.
Civic groups are encouraging citizens to remove the stickers themselves or counter them with positive, democratic, and anti-racist messages.
Activist Ana Marincea emphasized the importance of public education,stating,”Citizens must learn to recognize extremist symbols and messages.Schools, journalists and public campaigns have a crucial role in awareness of the danger of non-elegance propaganda.” She also stressed the need for swift intervention by authorities to ensure a safe urban habitat where extremism and hate speech are actively combatted.
