The Romanian Gendarmerie and the Romanian Police took significant steps this week to counter misinformation related to protests held on Sunday evening, March 9, 2025, in Bucharest. These two branches of law enforcement aimed to clarify their roles and dispel false information widely circulated on social media platforms.
On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, the Romanian Gendarmerie published a public statement debunking allegations claiming over 30% of its forces were non-Romanian, reportedly recruited from France. This false narrative implied foreign influence within the Gendarmerie, raising concerns about the legitimacy of its operations. The Gendarmerie firmly stated, "Romanian citizenship is a mandatory condition for employment with the Gendarmerie," reinforcing its commitment to national integrity and public trust.
Notably, the Gendarmerie urged citizens to obtain information from official sources to avoid spreading unfounded rumors, particularly concerning the violent events at the protest. They identified key false claims, including allegations of gendarmes beating women, using rubber bullets and tear gas, deploying agitators to incite violence, and utilizing drones to disperse tear gas. All these assertions, they stated, are fabricated and have the sole purpose of inciting panic and confusion among the public.
"All these statements are absolutely false and are intended to manipulate citizens, aiming to provoke incidents," the Gendarmerie cautioned. These misleading narratives were linked to posts from individuals outside Romania who had been wanted for serious crimes against the constitutional order. For example, on February 28, the High Court of Cassation and Justice issued an arrest warrant for Horațiu Potra, the alleged leader of mercenaries accused of various offenses, including violations pertaining to weapons and explosives regulation.
Simultaneously, the Romanian Police addressed other fabrications circulating about the same protests. These false news items alleged misconduct by the Minister of Interior, Cătălin Predoiu, who was wrongly accused of ordering witness hearings related to the violent protests. The police clarified, “The Minister of Internal Affairs does not have the authority to order the hearing of witnesses in a criminal case.” This misrepresentation was intended to create confusion about the separation of powers and undermine the integrity of judicial processes.
According to the Romanian Police, any activities related to the criminal case instigated by the protests are conducted under the authority of the Prosecutor's Office attached to the Bucharest Tribunal. Therefore, any claims of political interference are unfounded and misleading.
Further, amid these clarifications, the Romanian Police sought to dispel another piece of misinformation which asserted agents could not take fingerprints or photograph witnesses, alleging such actions constituted abuse. They emphasized, referencing the Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter IX, Article 196, which permits law enforcement to photograph or fingerprint individuals suspected of being connected to criminal acts: “Any interpretation proposing abuse is erroneous and manipulative.”
This week’s announcements from both the Romanian Gendarmerie and Police reflect the heightened tension surrounding the protests, particularly as exact details of the incidents continue to be debated publicly. The significance of accurate information remains pivotal as both institutions strive to maintain public order and trust within the community.
The backlash against the gendarmes and police during the protests was evidently exacerbated by the rapid dissemination of false information online, leading to severe reputational challenges for law enforcement. Ensuring clarity and transparency has become increasingly important as officials contend for public confidence during such volatile periods.
Despite the serious nature of the disinformation campaigns, the gendarmerie and police emphasized their commitment to public safety and their roles as protectors of law and civil order. They highlighted their efforts to monitor false content shared on platforms like TikTok and Facebook, stating they are fully aware of the disinformation campaigns attempting to provoke social unrest.
Moving forward, it is imperative for citizens to critically evaluate the sources of information they consume and share. Both law enforcement agencies have stressed the importance of turning to verified channels for updates on issues of public safety and community welfare. This proactive approach not only assists the authorities but also serves to bolster social cohesion and promote accurate dialogue among citizens.
Overall, as unrest continues to ripple through Bucharest, the dialogue on accountability and the role of information is more relevant than ever. The Romanian Gendarmerie and Police are taking decisive action not just against misinformation but also reinforcing their commitment to transparency, proper procedure, and community engagement as they navigate the challenges of public sentiment and safety.