(ANSA) - TRIESTE, 16 MAR - Some 1,000 Romanian police officers protested in Bucharest to demand higher salaries, Ap reported. The policemen say tens of thousands of officers are earning the minimum wage or less. Last month, some 38,000 police officers and interior ministry employees had monthly salaries between 1,250 lei and 1,450 lei: the minimum wage or less.

Marius Barbulescu, leader of the Mihai Viteazul police union, declared that officers should be paid a minimum monthly salary of 1,450 lei (320 euro), and on top of that should receive other benefits in line with other public servants. Officers from various areas of Romania gathered outside the interior ministry, yelling "You thieves!", blewing whistles or vuvuzelas and waving Romanian flags. Barbulescu told the Agerpres national news agency: "We are dealing with humiliation that is hard to describe in words". Union leaders met with Interior Minister Carmen Dan to discuss their demands. (ANSA).