2012–2014 Romanian protests against shale gas

Environmental protests in Romania August 2020 2012–2014 Romanian protests against shale gas 2012–2015 unrest in Romania Romania center 350 Location of protests yes Romania Bârlad right 46.216667 27.666667 Romania Vaslui right 46.638333 27.729167 Romania Pungești left 46.7 27.333333 Romania Bucharest left 44.4325 26.103889 Romania Vama Veche bottom 43.75 28.566667 Romania Sânmartin left 47.004 21.976 Romania Cluj-Napoca bottom 46.766667 23.583333 Romania Timișoara right 45.759722 21.23 Romania Sibiu bottom 45.792784 24.152069 Romania Curtici left 46.341944 21.306111 Romania Iași right 47.156944 27.590278 Romania Piatra Neamț right 46.9275 26.370833 Romania Alba Iulia left 46.066944 23.57 Romania Arad right 46.166667 21.316667 Romania Oradea bottom 47.072222 21.921111 Romania Brașov bottom 45.666667 25.616667 Romania Codlea right 45.696944 25.443889 Romania Buzău right 45.166667 26.816667 Romania Călărași left 44.2 27.333333 Romania Mangalia right 43.817222 28.582778 Romania Costinești left 43.95 28.633333 Romania Constanța right 44.173333 28.638333 Romania Galați right 45.423333 28.0425 Romania Târgu Neamț left 47.2025 26.358611 Romania Slatina bottom 44.429722 24.364167 Romania Suceava right 47.651389 26.255556 Romania Buziaș bottom 45.65 21.6 Romania Craiova left 44.333333 23.816667 Romania Bistrița left 47.133333 24.5 Romania Reghin right 46.775833 24.708333 Romania Moșna right 46.0906 24.3994 21 March 2012 – 26 November 2014http://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-esential-18668545-vaslui-politia-ridica-restrictiile-impuse-pungesti-privind-instituirea-zonei-siguranta.htm Vaslui: Poliția ridică restricțiile impuse la Pungești privind instituirea zonei de siguranță HotNews.ro I.R. 26 November 2014 Romanian(2012 3 21 2014 11 26) Dozens of cities in Romania and Romanian diaspora Exploitation of shale gas through hydraulic fracturing Installation of gas derricks in areas of exploitation Uncertain position of politicians on the project Police brutality Banning shale drilling in Romania Resignation of Ponta Government Protest march Human chain Occupation Revolt Civil resistance Roadblock Hunger strike Internet activism Ended Dismissal of Ungureanu Government through a motion of censurehttps://www.economist.com/blogs/easternapproaches/2012/04/romanian-government-falls The Romanian government falls: Another one bites the dust The Economist 27 April 2012 Suspension of shale gas exploration in Pungești area Interruption of shale gas exploitation in Moșna-Alma Vii area Chevron's withdrawal from Romaniahttp://adevarul.ro/news/eveniment/gigantul-americanchevron-renunta-gazele-sist-retrage-romania-1_54e86431448e03c0fdd685db/index.html Gigantul american Chevron a confirmat că renunță la gazele de șist și se va retrage din România Adevărul Ghica Sorin 21 February 2015 Romanian StudentsTeachersPriestsEnvironmentalistsActivists GendarmesPolice officers Up to 50,00030,000 in Bârlad4,000 in Bucharest1,500 in Curtici1,000 in Pungești1,000 in Sânmartin Up to 2,000 Arrests: 53 Injuries: 17 Injuries: 1http://www1.agerpres.ro/social/2013/12/02/vaslui-jandarm-detasat-la-protestele-din-pungesti-dus-cu-ambulanta-la-spitalul-judetean-de-urgenta-09-16-50 Vaslui: Jandarm detașat la protestele din Pungești dus cu ambulanța la Spitalul Județean de Urgență Agerpres 2 December 2013 The 2012–2014 Romanian protests against shale gas were a series of protests in major Romanian cities against exploitation of shale gas through controversial method of hydraulic fracturing. The main causes of these protests were the pollution of groundwater and environment, but also the threat of generating earthquakes. The protesters claimed the resignation of Prime Minister Victor Ponta, because he suddenly changed his position on the project.http://www.mediafax.ro/social/ponta-dupa-intalnirea-cu-chevron-guvernul-sprijina-gazele-de-sist-in-final-va-ramane-doar-o-minoritate-radicala-ce-spune-compania-americana-despre-discutii-11546452 Ponta, după întâlnirea cu Chevron: Guvernul sprijină gazele de șist. În final, va rămâne doar o minoritate radicală. Ce spune compania americană despre discuții Mediafax.ro Alexandru Moise 21 October 2013 Before the electoral campaign of 2012, he opposed shale drilling, but after he supported it with any risks, on the grounds that Romania's energy independence is a national project. The protests began with peaceful movements against shale drilling organized on social networking websites. The protests degenerated in fierce clashes between law enforcers and demonstrators, with dozens of people injured on both sides. According to different sources, these are the most violent events in Romania since the 2012 anti-presidential protests. Background Potential reserves of shale gas The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that Romania has technically recoverable shale gas reserves (undiscovered, that could be accessed with existing technology) of 51,000 cubic feet, namely 1,444 billion cubic meters.http://stirileprotv.ro/stiri/financiar/raport-sua-romania-are-rezerve-de-gaze-de-sist-echivalente-consumului-pe-100-de-ani.html Raport SUA: România are rezerve de gaze de șist echivalente consumului pe 100 de ani Știrile PRO TV 11 June 2013 According to the EIA report, Romania ranks third in EU shale gas reserves, after Poland (4,190 billion cubic meters) and France (3,879 billion cubic meters).http://www.mediafax.ro/economic/romania-locul-al-treilea-in-europa-dupa-rezervele-de-gaze-de-sist-11138468 România, locul al treilea în Europa după rezervele de gaze de șist Mediafax.ro Carol Dan 22 July 2013 This quantity could cover the national consumption of gas for 100 years. A study by the Romanian National Committee of World Energy Council shows that Romania has a high potential for shale gas discoveries in the Eastern Carpathians, the Moldavian Platform, the Bârlad Plateau and the Romanian Plain, with its expansion of Southern Dobruja.http://www.capital.ro/detalii-articole/stiri/romania-are-un-potential-ridicat-de-gaze-de-sist-in-carpatii-orientali-depresiunea-barladului.html România are un potențial ridicat de gaze de șist în Carpații Orientali, Depresiunea Bârladului și Câmpia Română Capital 15 November 2013 4 January 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20131215102700/http://www.capital.ro/detalii-articole/stiri/romania-are-un-potential-ridicat-de-gaze-de-sist-in-carpatii-orientali-depresiunea-barladului.html 15 December 2013 dead Changing positions of Prime Minister Ponta had numerous positions on shale gas exploitation. Before the 2012 legislative elections, he was a fervid opponent of shale gas. On 5 June 2012, he even received the "Young ecologist hope" prize during the 2012 Green Awards Gala that took place at Green Hours, Bucharest.http://gov.ro/ro/media/comunicate/primul-ministru-victor-ponta-a-primit-premiul-quot-tanara-speranta-ecologista-quot-in-cadrul-galei-green-awards-2012 Primul-ministru Victor Ponta a primit premiul "Tânăra speranță ecologistă" în cadrul Galei Green Awards 2012 Government of Romania 5 June 2012 After being confirmed as prime minister, he suddenly changed his position on shale drilling in Romania,http://www.digi24.ro/Stiri/Digi24/Actualitate/Politica/USL+si-a+schimbat+pozitia+fata+de+gazele+de+sist+dupa+ce+a+ajuns USL și-a schimbat poziția față de gazele de șist după ce a ajuns la putere Digi24.ro 17 October 2013 stating in a TV show that "Now I'm fighting for shale gas, and I think I'm doing a good thing. I'm not anti-Russian [...], but I would like to stop importing from Gazprom".http://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-esential-14995241-livetext-premierul-victor-ponta-b1-robert-turcescu.htm Victor Ponta: Acum mă bat pentru gazele de șist, și cred că fac bine. Nu sunt anti-rus, dar nu mai vreau să importăm de la Gazprom HotNews.ro 13 June 2013 This change of heart of the Prime Minister sparked the indignation of environmentalists and activists. After that, many of his former supporters started to request his resignation. Effects of shale drilling Environmental impact of hydraulic fracturing Environmental record of Chevron Corporation Hydraulic fracturing by country Shale gas by country thumb|left|100px|The Chevron Corporation has been fined several times for environmental pollution. thumb|Schematic depiction of hydraulic fracturing, showing main possible environmental effects Mass demonstrations in Bârlad, Vaslui County, were mainly triggered by the harmful effects of hydraulic fractionation used in shale drilling. The hydraulic fractionation is a method of shale gas extraction, that involves pumping water, sand and additives deep in the lithosphere, to break the layer of rock and release the gas. The additives used include about 750 compounds, some of which are carcinogenic.http://democrats.energycommerce.house.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Hydraulic-Fracturing-Chemicals-2011-4-18.pdf Chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing Committee on Energy & Commerce 18 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131004213846/http://democrats.energycommerce.house.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Hydraulic-Fracturing-Chemicals-2011-4-18.pdf 4 October 2013 Environmentalists claim that the exploitation through hydraulic fractionation pollute groundwater. Moreover, it is possible that earthquake activity increases, after destabilization of rock layers.February 2014 In this way, American director Josh Fox created in 2010 the documentary Gasland."Sinteza zilei: Documentar despre efectele nocive ale fracționării hidraulice folosită în exploatarea gazelor de șist", Antena3.ro, 29 March 2012 The film, nominated for Oscars and screened at Sundance Film Festival, shows the size of shale drilling danger to the community and the environment. The film sparked thousands of negative reactions from the public.October 2019 In several European countries, including Bulgaria,"Bulgaria bans shale gas drilling with 'fracking' method", BBC News, 19 January 2012 France,"French lawmakers ban controversial shale gas drilling", France24, 11 May 2011 Netherlands, Luxembourg and Czech Republic, this method of gas extraction was prohibited."Unconventional gas in Europe: Frack to the future", The Economist, 2 February 2013 In 2011, a court in Ecuador fined Chevron $8.6 billion for pollution of the Amazon rainforest."Chevron fined for Amazon pollution by Ecuador court", BBC News, 15 February 2011"Chevron fined $8bn over Amazon 'contamination'", The Guardian, 14 February 2011 Chevron has also violated foreign governments environmental laws in Brazil, Angola and Bangladesh."Chevron, Oil Pollution, and Human Rights", AfricaResource.com, 6 November 2005 2012 protests Bârlad demonstrations The protests in Bârlad started with a 5,000-large manifestation in Central Square, on 22 March 2012.Shale Gas Search Divides Romania https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/23/business/global/shale-gas-search-divides-romania.html?_r=0 The New York Times Palko Kárász 22 March 2012Revoluția începe pe șist: MII de oameni au protestat împotriva exploatării gazelor de șist. Citește Proclamația de la Bârlad https://jurnalul.ro/bani-afaceri/economia/live-video-revolutia-incepe-pe-sist-mii-de-oameni-au-protestat-impotriva-exploatarii-gazelor-de-sist-citeste-proclamatia-de-la-barlad-607716.html Jurnalul Național Daniel Ionașcu 22 March 2012 4 January 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20131020020908/http://jurnalul.ro/bani-afaceri/economia/live-video-revolutia-incepe-pe-sist-mii-de-oameni-au-protestat-impotriva-exploatarii-gazelor-de-sist-citeste-proclamatia-de-la-barlad-607716.html 20 October 2013 live The protest was preceded by a march that started on two fronts. The event was attended by students, teachers, employees of factories in the city, local authorities and priests, some of them taking the word at the rostrum placed in front of the City Hall.Peste 5.000 de bârlădeni au cerut blocarea exploatării gazelor de șist http://adevarul.ro/locale/vaslui/peste-5000-barladeni-cerut-blocarea-exploatarii-gazelor-sist-foto-1_50aee08d7c42d5a663a16a1b/index.html# Adevărul 22 March 2012 Four days after the protest, Chevron Corporation representatives expressed their official position regarding the techniques they will use in exploration and exploitation of shale gas in northeastern Romania. "We understand the concerns about shale gas production in Romania and we believe that after Chevron will present accurate information resulting from research, Romanians will understand that natural shale gas is a clean energy source, which can be produced responsibly and safely", said in a press release Tom Holst, Chevron Romania country manager.Reacția reprezentanților Chevron la protestele de la Bârlad: "Românii vor înțelege că gazele naturale provenite din șisturi reprezintă o sursă curată de energie" http://www.gandul.info/financiar/reactia-reprezentantilor-chevron-la-protestele-de-la-barlad-romanii-vor-intelege-ca-gazele-naturale-provenite-din-sisturi-reprezinta-o-sursa-curata-de-energie-9443729 Gândul 22 March 2012 The protests continued in the following months. Thus, on 26 April, thousands of people gathered in Bârlad Civic Center to protest against Chevron presence in the country. During protest, priests sang the Paschal greeting, and people sang the anthem of Romania. The protesters were mobilised on social networking websites.Noi proteste la Bârlad împotriva exploatării gazelor de șist http://www.romaniatv.net/noi-proteste-la-barlad-impotriva-exploatarii-gazelor-de-sist_26223.html România TV 26 April 2012 On 8 September, 2,000 people marched peacefully with lit candles and lamps, led by priests in the area.Noi proteste la Bârlad, împotriva exploatării gazelor de șist http://www.romania-actualitati.ro/noi-proteste-la-barlad-impotriva-exploatarii-gazelor-de-sist-44104 Radio România Actualități Sorin Croitorescu 8 September 2012 Proclamation of Bârlad On 22 March 2012, residents of Bârlad municipality drew up a proclamation that includes an elaborate list of harmful effects of shale gas exploitation through hydraulic fracturing, but also a series of strict claims. They ask the Government of Romania to impose the National Agency for Mineral Resources the immediate cancellation or suspension of concession petroleum agreements for exploration/exploitation of liquid or gaseous hydrocarbons through hydraulic fracturing method of rocks.Proclamația de la Bârlad împotriva exploatării gazelor de șist http://adevarul.ro/locale/vaslui/proclamatia-barlad-exploatarii-gazelor-sist-1_50aee0507c42d5a663a16942/index.html Adevărul 22 March 2012 Another claims include prohibiting the use of this method in Romania and completing environmental legislation with necessary measures to avoid the risk of pollution resulted from exploitation.Proclamația de la Bârlad https://jurnalul.ro/bani-afaceri/economia/proclamatia-de-la-barlad-607800.html Jurnalul Național 22 March 2012 4 January 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20131020085326/http://jurnalul.ro/bani-afaceri/economia/proclamatia-de-la-barlad-607800.html 20 October 2013 live 2013 protests 300px Protests in Pungești on Flickr Pungești, a special day on AFP 6I5TR7qpmwg Meeting in Bârlad. 8,700 people in the street against shale drilling tajJ66mLWGQ Protest in Bârlad against shale drilling by U.S. company Chevron rfsEbsFrHDc Great march of Bârlad q2u9s1OAH_c April 4, 2013. Protest against shale gas extraction On 27 February 2013, at the call of the Civil Society Initiative Group of Bârlad, about 8,700 peopleProtest față de exploatarea gazelor de șist: Peste 8.000 de persoane au participat la miting http://www.mediafax.ro/social/protest-fata-de-exploatarea-gazelor-de-sist-peste-8-000-de-persoane-au-participat-la-miting-10610347 Mediafax Andreea Unturică Teodor Istrate 27 February 2013Bârlad: Peste 8.000 de oameni, la un protest față de explorarea și exploatarea gazelor de șist http://www.antena3.ro/romania/barlad-peste-8-000-de-oameni-la-un-protest-fata-de-explorarea-si-exploatarea-gazelor-de-sist-205018.html Antena 3 27 February 2013 took to the streets to shout "No to exploitation of shale gas". The event was attended by people of all ages from all Vaslui County, but also from Constanța, Galați, Buzău and Bucharest.Mii de oameni au protestat la Bârlad împotriva exploatării gazelor de șist http://www.frontpress.ro/2013/02/mii-de-oameni-au-protestat-la-barlad-impotriva-exploatarii-gazelor-de-sist.html Front Press 28 February 2013 Those attending the event shouted slogans against the current government and cataloged local politicians as traitors. To avoid any incidents, 80 gendarmes, which were joined by local police crews, assured the public policy measures.Chevron începe explorarea gazelor de șist la Bârlad. Mii de oameni în stradă http://www.ziare.com/mediu/surse-energie/explorarea-perimetrului-de-gaze-de-sist-de-la-barlad-incepe-in-a-doua-jumatate-a-anului-1221194 Ziare.com 27 February 2013 On 4 April, with the occasion of "Global Anti-Fracking Day", in 28 localities in the country were held protests and demonstrations against exploitation of shale gas through hydraulic fracturing.Thousands protest Chevron's shale gas plans in Romania https://www.reuters.com/article/us-romania-shale-chevron-idUSBRE9330S320130404 Reuters Ioana Patran 4 April 2013Proteste în 28 de orașe față de exploatarea gazelor de șist http://www.ziare.com/stiri/proteste/proteste-in-28-de-orase-fata-de-exploatarea-gazelor-de-sist-1228146 Ziare.com 4 April 2013 Likewise, the Romanians in Strasbourg and Copenhagen have joined the protests, as well as activists from the Czech Republic, from four cities in Bulgaria and Australia. A similar protest took place in 2014. This was larger and was attended by thousands of people in 100 localities in Romania and 10 abroad.http://www.realitatea.net/proteste-impotriva-fracturarii-hidraulice-la-bucure-ti-i-in-mai-multe-ora-e-mari-din-ara_1414993.html Proteste împotriva fracturării hidraulice la București și în mai multe orașe mari din țară Realitatea.net 6 April 2014 On 27 May, at least 10,000 locals protested in Bârlad, dissatisfied that the Environment Ministry has issued permits for gas exploration in Bârlad, Costinești and Vama Veche.PROTEST LA BÂRLAD față de exploatarea gazelor de șist http://www.romanialibera.ro/actualitate/eveniment/protest-la-barlad-fata-de-exploatarea-gazelor-de-sist-303096.html România Liberă 27 May 2013 They also expressed anger against Prime Minister Victor Ponta, accusing him of flip-flopping on his position regarding the shale gas. On Facebook were created dozens of pages against exploitation of shale gas, joined by tens of thousands of people.Romanians protest against Chevron shale gas plans http://uk.news.yahoo.com/romanians-protest-against-chevron-shale-gas-plans-180318775.html#Zgs7LCG Yahoo! News 27 May 2013 On 1 September, Bârlad Initiative Group of Civil Society organized a meeting against starting the exploration of shale in EV2 area, attended by more than 4,000 people. The gendarmes intervened to release traffic in St. Elias Square, blocked by protesters. All those present chanted messages against the current government, but also against mayor Constantin Constaninescu, who was accused that refused to approve certain routes for the protest march and agreed to conduct this meeting in an isolated area.Peste 4000 de oameni ÎMPOTRIVA GAZELOR DE ȘIST http://www.ilovebarlad.com/peste-4000-de-oameni-impotriva-gazelor-de-sist/ I Love Bârlad 1 September 2013 4 January 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20131019082930/http://www.ilovebarlad.com/peste-4000-de-oameni-impotriva-gazelor-de-sist/ 19 October 2013 dead Revolt of Pungești thumb|150px|Location of Pungești within the Vaslui County The Revolt of Pungești (ro Revolta de la Pungești) erupted a few days after Chevron obtained a building permit for the location of first derrick for shale drilling in Vaslui County. More than that, the company has received all necessary approvals from state authorities for soil exploration in a perimeter within the Siliştea village in Pungești.Police disperse anti-fracking protesters at Chevron exploration site in Romania https://www.foxnews.com/world/police-disperse-anti-fracking-protesters-at-chevron-exploration-site-in-romania/ Fox News 16 October 2013 14–16 October 2013 The manifestations started with 150 protesters, on 14 October 2013, blocking the access of Chevron machineries to install the derrick. Protests have escalated in the next three days. Thus, on 16 October, more than 500 villagers of Pungești and surrounding localities, joined by activists from Bârlad, Iași and Bucharest, formed a human shield in front of the bulldozers.Get the Frack out of Romania! http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1049728 CNN iReport Raluca Besliu 17 October 2013 4 January 2014 11 December 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131211170142/http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1049728 dead Au sosit primele utilaje ale Chevron la Vaslui. Locuitorii din Pungești au format un lanț uman în semn de protest la adresa americanilor Ionuț Balaban Olimpia Filip http://adevarul.ro/locale/vaslui/protest-lant-uman-pungesti-chevron-1_525e7812c7b855ff5643713b/index.html# Adevărul 16 October 2013 On the spot were mobilised over 200 gendarmes, because the Vaslui–Gârceni county road was blocked by angry protesters.PROTESTELE de la Pungești. Utilajele Chevron au fost duse într-o altă comună. Consiliul local se întrunește de URGENȚĂ Ana-Maria Adamoae Alexandra Ciliac http://www.evz.ro/detalii/stiri/protestele-de-la-pungesti-150-de-oameni-si-au-petrecut-noaptea-pe-camp-satenii-sunt-impo-1062511.html Evenimentul Zilei 17 October 2013 Likewise, the gendarmes formed a cordon meant to release the traffic. The protesters tried to break the cordon, but the gendarmes intervened in force. In fierce clashes between protesters and gendarmes 10 people were injured, including an 81-year-old man who suffered a panic attack.Răscoala țăranilor din Vaslui contra americanilor de la Chevron: Cine transmite protestul LIVE la TV Pungești Theodor Istrate Loredana Voiculescu http://www.gandul.info/stiri/rascoala-taranilor-din-vaslui-contra-americanilor-de-la-chevron-cine-transmite-protestul-live-la-tv-pungesti-11523155 Gândul 16 October 2013Explorarea gazelor de șist de către Chevron, blocată de protestele sătenilor din Vaslui. Jandarmii au intervenit Theodor Istrate http://www.mediafax.ro/social/explorarea-gazelor-de-sist-de-catre-chevron-blocata-de-protestele-satenilor-din-vaslui-jandarmii-au-intervenit-11523167 Mediafax 16 October 2013 According to journalists from Realitatea TV, the old man died a few hours later at Vaslui County Emergency Hospital.Protestatarii de la Pungești, dosar penal. Închisoare de la 3 la 15 ani. Ce au făcut oponenții Chevron Covrig Roxana http://www.dcnews.ro/2013/10/protestatarii-de-la-pungesti-risca-chiar-si-15-ani-de-inchisoare/ DC News 16 October 2013 4 January 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140219211820/http://www.dcnews.ro/2013/10/protestatarii-de-la-pungesti-risca-chiar-si-15-ani-de-inchisoare/ 19 February 2014 dead The protesters installed tents and gathered food and warm clothes, as they continued their protest overnight. They also created an Internet TV channel, TV Pungești, that covers 24 hours of 24 the events on the protest camping site.Protest față de gazele de șist. Locuitorii din Pungești au televiziune online http://www.digi24.ro/Stiri/Digi24/Actualitate/Stiri/Protest+fata+de+gazele+de+sist+Locuitorii+din+Pungesti+au+televi Digi24 18 October 2013 Even if it does not appear on the TV program grid, TV Pungești amassed up to 75,000 views in a month and a half.http://www.ustream.tv/channel/tv-pungesti TV Pungești Ustream 2–31 December 2013 After Chevron representatives announced the suspension of works in the area, civil conflicts have subsided. This period of lull lasted only a month. On 2 December, when Chevron decided to resume exploration operations, an impressive convoy of gendarmes, police and firefighters went to the area before the break of dawn to secure the movement of Chevron machineries. Gendarmes occupied the village, blocking all access points, preventing entry or exit from the perimeter for 24 hours.http://fracking.casajurnalistului.ro/romania-sat-politienesc/ România. Sat polițienesc Casa Jurnalistului Ștefan Mako George Popescu Vlad Ursulean 6 December 2013 9 December 2013 4 January 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20131209012526/http://fracking.casajurnalistului.ro/romania-sat-politienesc/ dead Early in the morning, about 100 villagers blocked the road, trying to obstruct the access of Chevron equipment on the concessioned land.http://stiri.tvr.ro/incidente-la-pungesti-seful-jandarmeriei-nu-a-fost-folosita-forta-impotriva-protestatarilor_37813.html Incidente la Pungești. Șeful Jandarmeriei: Nu a fost folosită forța împotriva protestatarilor Știrile TVR 2 December 2013 4 January 2014 4 December 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131204013102/http://stiri.tvr.ro/incidente-la-pungesti-seful-jandarmeriei-nu-a-fost-folosita-forta-impotriva-protestatarilor_37813.html dead Hundreds of gendarmes were mobilised on the spot and ordered the protesters to clear the way. While activists claim that around 1,000 law enforcers were taking part in the operation, police put the number at 300. Journalists were reportedly not permitted to get to the scene.http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/stephen-mcgrath/chevron-resume-fracking-i_b_4390182.html?just_reloaded=1 Chevron Resume Fracking in Pungești – Protestors Violently Beaten by Officials The Huffington Post Stephen McGrath 5 December 2013 Witnesses said the gendarmes used excessive force to restain some protesters. In the ensuing clashes, two people were injured and 30 were loaded into vans and transported to the police station.http://www.gandul.info/stiri/americanii-de-la-chevron-s-au-intors-la-pungesti-incidente-intre-protestatari-si-jandarmi-viceprimar-pentru-gandul-20-de-persoane-au-fost-retinute-pentru-identificare-11734076 Americanii de la Chevron s-au întors la Pungești. Incidente între protestatari și jandarmi. Viceprimar, pentru Gândul: "20 de persoane au fost reținute pentru identificare" Gândul Theodor Istrate 2 December 2013http://www.realitatea.net/noi-proteste-la-pungesti_1329784.html Noi proteste la PUNGEȘTI. Jandarmii au intervenit în forță. ȘAPTE săteni, duși la POLIȚIE Realitatea.net 2 December 2013 4 January 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140105233805/http://www.realitatea.net/noi-proteste-la-pungesti_1329784.html 5 January 2014 dead Victor Ponta congratulated the gendarmes for the way they acted, saying that energy independence is a major national project. "We won't accept for 20, 30, 50, 70 people to break the law!", transmitted the Premier.http://www.antena3.ro/romania/update-imagini-cu-imbrancelile-de-la-pungesti-localnici-luati-pe-sus-de-jandarmi-jandameria-am-aplicat-legea-seful-jandarmeriei-sase-dosare-penale-si-o-amenda-dupa-incidente-236571.html Imagini cu îmbrâncelile de la Pungești: localnici, luați pe sus de jandarmi. Jandameria: Am aplicat legea. Șeful Jandarmeriei: Șase dosare penale și o amendă după incidente Antena 3 2 December 2013 But others are demanding investigation. Maria-Nicoleta Andreescu, executive director of the Helsinki Committee Association for the defence of human rights in Romania, said: "There are important signs that indicate that the gendarmes' actions were at least abusive if not illegal. It is very clear is that by restricting the access of the press in the area the authorities did not allow the public to be informed".https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/dec/05/protesters-chevron-shale-gas-fracking-romania Police remove protesters from Chevron's fracking site in Romania The Guardian Luke Dale-Harris Vlad Ursulean 5 December 2013http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/131203/romania-villagers-brave-police-and-cold-fracking-fight Romania villagers brave police and cold in fracking fight GlobalPost 3 December 2013 thumb|200px|left|Graffiti on a wall in Bucharest depicting a man tearing down a gas well, symbol of resistance against shale gas The protests continued in the following days. On 7 December, despite very low temperatures, nearly 600 people from several cities of the country protested against Chevron and its intention to exploit the potential reserves of shale gas. At the spot were sent intervention troops of the Gendarmerie, fact that angered the protesters. People posed in front of them and shouted "Revolution".http://www.digi24.ro/Stiri/Digi24/Actualitate/Stiri/Proteste+cu+incidente+la+Pungesti+violente Proteste cu incidente la Pungești. Chevron își suspendă activitatea la Siliștea Digi24.ro 7 December 2013http://www.realitatea.net/circa-400-de-oameni-protesteaza-la-pungesti-fata-de-intentia-chevron-de-explorare-a-gazelor-de-sist_1334497.html Protestatarii de la Pungești au reușit să dărâme gardurile de pe terenul Chevron Realitatea.net 7 December 2013 4 January 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140104055053/http://www.realitatea.net/circa-400-de-oameni-protesteaza-la-pungesti-fata-de-intentia-chevron-de-explorare-a-gazelor-de-sist_1334497.html 4 January 2014 dead Protests escalated, and elders, women and children rushed to fight against the gendarmes, throwing firecrackers. Security forces used tear gas and formed a human shield around the plot of land where Chevron would install the first derrick in Romania.http://www.mediafax.ro/social/nou-protest-la-pungesti-gardul-proprietatii-chevron-daramat-aproape-in-totalitate-un-tanar-sustine-ca-a-fost-agresat-de-jandarmi-chevron-suspenda-activitatile-foto-11747225 NOU PROTEST la Pungești: Gardul proprietății Chevron, dărâmat aproape în totalitate. Un tânăr susține că a fost agresat de jandarmi. Chevron SUSPENDĂ activitățile Mediafax.ro Andreea Unturică Teodor Istrate 7 December 2013 Protesters broke the cordon of gendarmes and penetrated into the land concessioned to Chevron. Angry people threw stones at gendarmes and knocked down the entire perimeter fence installed by the U.S. company workers.https://www.reuters.com/article/romania-shale-chevron-idUSL5N0JM07D20131207 Chevron halts Romania shale work after protest Reuters 7 December 2013http://www.romanialibera.ro/actualitate/eveniment/update-incidente-violente-la-pungesti-protestatarii-au-rupt-incercuirea-jandarmilor-si-au-patruns-pe-terenul-chevron-319887.html Incidente violente la Pungești. Protestatarii au rupt încercuirea jandarmilor și au pătruns pe terenul Chevron România Liberă 7 December 2013 Gendarmes regrouped and responded in force. A young man of about 25 years was hit in the head during clashes between law enforcers and demonstrators. He was transported to the Vaslui Emergency Hospital by a SMURD ambulance.http://www.b1.ro/stiri/eveniment/protestele-continua-la-punge-ti-mul-imea-a-devenit-violenta-aruncand-cu-pietre-in-camioanele-trimise-de-chevron-71107.html Protestele continuă la Pungești: Mai multe persoane, ridicate de jandarmi. Chevron suspendă activitățile B1.ro 7 December 2013 The vans with the 22 people arrested during altercations were stopped by 50 protesters that laid on the roadway.http://adevarul.ro/locale/vaslui/pungesti-1_52a2efbfc7b855ff5684a91b/index.html Violențe fără precedent la Pungești. Protestatarii s-au întins în fața dubelor jandarmeriei, după reținerea mai multor persoane Adevărul Ionuț Balaban 7 December 2013http://www.rfi.ro/stiri-societate-46231-protest-violent-pungesti-impotriva-explorarii-gazelor-sist Protest violent la Pungești împotriva explorării gazelor de șist RFI România 7 December 2013 On 8 December, Chevron announced that it has resumed work in the commune of Pungești, after, the day before, they suspended operations because of violent demonstrations. As a result, activists tried to recoil and protest in neighboring localities, but their demarches have been hampered by the gendarmes.http://www.digi24.ro/Stiri/Digi24/Actualitate/Stiri/Chevron+reia+operatiunile+la+Pungesti Pungești. Activiștii au eșuat în încercarea de a organiza un nou protest Digi24.ro 8 December 2013 They studded the area, patrolled and organized filters from 100 to 100 meters, legitimating everyone trying to get out of Pungești. Moreover, gendarmes raided the impromptu camp of protesters, because of some pyrotechnic materials they found there. A team of public television journalists was assaulted by gendarmes and was banned from filming in the area.http://stiri.tvr.ro/chevron-a-anuntat-reluarea-lucrarilor-la-pungesti-jandarmii-spun-ca-manifestantii-au-fost-violenti_38044_video.html#view Chevron a anunțat reluarea lucrărilor la Pungești. Jandarmii spun că manifestanții au fost violenți Știrile TVR 8 December 2013 4 January 2014 11 December 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131211095350/http://stiri.tvr.ro/chevron-a-anuntat-reluarea-lucrarilor-la-pungesti-jandarmii-spun-ca-manifestantii-au-fost-violenti_38044_video.html#view dead Villagers say they were aggressed by law enforcers. The leadership of Vaslui Police issued a disposition according to which the commune of Pungești becomes "special area of public safety" (comparable to a state of emergency), fact that requires strict control of people and vehicles crossing the locality.http://adevarul.ro/locale/vaslui/video-comuna-pungesti-declarata-zona-speciala-siguranta-publica-1_52a46389c7b855ff568bb1f6/index.html Comuna Pungești, declarată "zonă specială de siguranţă publică" Adevărul Ionuț Balaban 8 December 2013http://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-esential-16158488-localnicii-din-pungesti-mobilizeaza-pentru-nou-protest-dupa-chevron-anuntat-duminica-dimineata-reluarea-lucrarilor.htm Pungești/gaze de șist: jandarmii instituie zonă specială de siguranță, protestatarii acuză violențe, Chevron lucrează între reprizele de violență HotNews.ro Alina Neagu 8 December 2013 Former Minister of the Environment, Sulfina Barbu, pointed out that the actions of authorities against protests in Pungești are anti-democratic. "Since the Government makes such extreme and anti-democratic measures (setting up a special safety area in Siliștea-Pungești – n.r.), I think that we're discussing about restrictions of civil rights", she said.http://www.rfi.ro/invitatul-diminetii-46260-sulfina-barbu-vicepresedinte-pdl-protestele-antisist-pungesti Sulfina Barbu, vicepreședinte PDL, despre protestele anti-șist de la Pungești RFI România 9 December 2013 On 26 March 2014, the Ombudsman sent a recommendation to the Minister of Internal Affairs on the respecting of citizen rights and freedoms, in the context of establishing a "special area of public safety". IA showed that tensions in Pungești and attempts of unauthorized demonstrations continue, prerequisites for the establishment of special area of public safety remaining valid.http://www.gandul.info/stiri/avocatul-poporului-instituirea-zonei-speciale-de-siguranta-publica-la-pungesti-este-o-masura-disproportionata-ce-raspunde-ministerul-de-interne-12337172 Avocatul Poporului: Instituirea "zonei speciale de siguranţă publică" la Pungeşti este o măsură disproporţionată. Ce răspunde Ministerul de Interne Gândul Andrei Luca Popescu Otilia Ciocan 26 March 2014 On 24 December, 40 villagers of Pungești and activists went on hunger strike.http://www.napocanews.ro/2013/12/corespondenta-craciunul-in-pungesti-chevron-se-grabeste-sa-si-activeze-sondele-toata-lumea-e-suspecta.html Corespondență – Crăciunul în Pungeşti. Mâine, în Ajun, 40 de localnici și activiști inițiază greva foamei. Chevron se grăbește să-și activeze sondele. Toată lumea e suspectă Napoca News 22 December 2013 Locals have raised more tents and announced that they go on an indefinitely-long hunger strike. Their action is a gesture of solidarity with Alexandru Popescu, a 45-year-old antiquarian from Bărcănești, Prahova County,http://adevarul.ro/news/bucuresti/vrea-moara-tara-14-zile-greva-foamei-ma-simt-vinovat-n-am-terminat-inceput-89-1_52c7c3e2c7b855ff5633e503/index.html Vrea să moară pentru țară, de 14 zile în greva foamei: "Mă simt vinovat că n-am terminat ce am început în '89" Adevărul Ionuț Ungureanu 4 January 2014 who is on a hunger strike in Bucharest's University Square since 21 December.http://www.nasul.tv/2014/01/02/de-12-zile-in-greva-foamei-la-universitate-autoritatile-nu-l-vad/ De 12 zile în greva foamei la Universitate! Autoritățile nu-l văd Nașul TV 2 January 2014 4 January 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140104212914/http://www.nasul.tv/2014/01/02/de-12-zile-in-greva-foamei-la-universitate-autoritatile-nu-l-vad/ 4 January 2014 dead Two strikers needed medical attention and called an ambulance.http://www.digi24.ro/Stiri/Regional/Digi24+Iasi/Stiri/Grevistii+de+la+Pungesti+au+primit+ingrijiri+medicale+in+a+treia Protestatarii de la Pungești au primit îngrijiri medicale în a treia zi de grevă a foamei Digi24.ro 26 December 2013 The perimeter was surrounded by gendarmes, protesters accusing aggression by law enforcers.http://www.cotidianul.ro/pungesti-jandarmii-au-inconjurat-perimetrul-unde-sunt-protestatarii-care-fac-greva-foamei-229409/ Pungești: "Jandarmii au înconjurat perimetrul unde sunt protestatarii care fac greva foamei" Cotidianul Ioana Radu 3 January 2014 After 10 days of hunger strike, protesters were forced to renounce to this form of protest, because, they say, were banished by the gendarmes.http://adevarul.ro/locale/vaslui/protestatarii-pungesti-renuntat-greva-foamei-cauza-jandarmeriei-aici-nu-voie-macar-mori-1_52c78881c7b855ff56331d8b/index.html Protestatarii din Pungești au renunțat la greva foamei din cauza Jandarmeriei: "Aici nu ai voie nici măcar să mori!" Adevărul Ionuț Balaban 4 January 2014 1 January – 1 May 2014 On 2 January, hundreds of villagers from Siliștea organized a rally and then a protest march to the Pungești Town Hall to demand the resignation of Mayor Mircia Vlasă and the stoppage of shale gas exploration in the area.http://www.realitatea.net/nou-protest-la-pungesti-peste-200-de-persoane-au-manifestat-impotriva-edilului-comunei_1350186.html NOU PROTEST la PUNGEȘTI. Peste 200 de persoane au manifestat împotriva edilului comunei Realitatea.net 2 January 2014 Citizens were joined by Vaslui MP Tudor Ciuhodaru, local councilors from several communes in the county and the Mayor of Șuletea, Ciprian Tamaș. Ten people received warning for participating in an unauthorized protest.http://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-esential-16334505-protest-pungesti-doua-din.htm Vaslui: Protest la Pungești, în a doua zi din an HotNews.ro I.C. 2 January 2014http://adevarul.ro/locale/vaslui/sute-localnici-pungesti-protestat-fata-primariei-1_52c5b1c1c7b855ff562b0277/index.html Sute de localnici din Pungești au protestat în fața Primăriei Adevărul Ionuț Balaban 2 January 2014 On 5 January, around 100 protesters gathered at an anti-Chevron encampment near Pungești, to pray and perform religious rituals in an attempt to drive out Chevron.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amgLlehF_QI Protesters exorcise Chevron's demons in Pungești Ruptly 5 January 2014http://www.digi24.ro/Stiri/Digi24/Actualitate/Stiri/Noi+proteste+la+Pungesti+200+de+oameni+vor+manifesta+azi+impotri Protest mascat la Pungești. Localnicii spun că se strâng pentru a comemora eroii Răscoalei de la 1907 Digi24.ro 5 January 2014 Priest Gheorghe Tomozei described Chevron's operations as "a Satanic invasion". After a short religious service, protesters walked to a police checkpoint that separates the village from the Chevron site but were stopped by riot police as they attempted to enter the area. Protesters shouted "Thieves" and "Down with Chevron", and later demonstrated near the town hall calling for the mayor's resignation.http://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-esential-16347842-nou-protest-pungesti-localnicii-acuza-presiunile-jandarmilor.htm Un nou protest la Pungești: Localnicii acuză presiunile jandarmilor HotNews.ro Alina Neagu 5 January 2014 On 8 April, up to 200 villagers from Pungești and neighboring communes gathered near the Chevron site to protest against company's intention to begin shale gas exploration. Protesters threw eggs and apples at Chevron coach and thrust with law enforcers.http://www.digi24.ro/Stiri/Regional/Digi24+Iasi/Stiri/Protest+cu+imbranceli+la+Pungesti+in+zona+santierului+Chevron Protestatarii au aruncat cu ouă și cu mere în autocarul Chevron. Protest cu îmbrânceli la Pungești, în zona șantierului Chevron Digi24.ro 8 April 2014 The same month, on 25, another incident occurred in Pungești. Then, the mayor of the commune was hiding in his office in the city hall, while an angry crowd demanded his resignation.http://www.vrn.ro/revolta-la-primaria-pungesti-primarul-s-a-ascuns-in-birou Revoltă la Primăria Pungești. Primarul s-a ascuns în birou! Vremea Nouă 25 April 2014 During the rustic celebration of 1 May, a child was beaten by gendarmes after a group of protesters approached the land owned by Chevron. He was taken by ambulance to Vaslui County Hospital with a fracture of the right arm.http://www.vrn.ro/copil-batut-la-pungesti-de-jandarmi Copil bătut, la Pungești, de jandarmi Vremea Nouă 2 May 2014 Reactions Protests of solidarity took place in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, and Sibiu.Demonstrații împotriva gazelor de șist în București. Circa 2000 de oameni au protestat în fața Guvernului http://www.digi24.ro/Stiri/Digi24/Actualitate/Stiri/Demonstratie+impotriva+gazelor+de+sist+in+Bucuresti+Protestatari Digi24 16 October 2013 In Bucharest, more than 4,000 people gathered in University Square, from where they marched to the Government headquarters in Victory Square.Romania: a small village's anti-fracking protest spreads to the capital http://www.euronews.com/2013/10/17/romania-a-small-village-s-anti-fracking-protest-spreads-to-the-capital/ Euronews 17 October 2013 4 January 2014 9 January 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140109095632/http://www.euronews.com/2013/10/17/romania-a-small-village-s-anti-fracking-protest-spreads-to-the-capital dead Aproape 2.000 de persoane au protestat în București față de exploatarea gazelor de șist: "Pungești și Roșia, vine revoluția" Andreea Ofițeru http://www.gandul.info/stiri/aproape-2-000-de-persoane-au-protestat-in-bucuresti-fata-de-exploatarea-gazelor-de-sist-pungesti-si-rosia-vine-revolutia-gandul-a-transmis-live-text-11525197 Gândul 16 October 2013 During the manifestation, the traffic was blocked and directed on detour routes. Column of demonstrators was accompanied at all times by gendarmes. In an attempt to release the Victory Square, things were precipitated. The protesters clashed with gendarmes, and a woman fainted.Protest în București, față de exploatarea gazelor de șist. Îmbrânceli cu jandarmii, la Guvern http://www.ziare.com/stiri/proteste/protestatarii-de-la-universitate-au-ajuns-la-guvern-1262933 Ziare.com 16 October 2013 They demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Victor Ponta, accusing him of treason and falsehood. They threatened to radicalize the rallies using the Greek model and chanted slogans like "Last resort, another revolution" and "Ponta and Băsescu near Ceaușescu".Câteva mii de protestatari au cerut demisia lui Ponta la Guvern și la sediul PSD. Protestatarii au strigat "Ieși afară javră ordinară". Cele mai mari violențe din această toamnă http://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-esential-15817436-uniti-salvam-organizeaza-bucuresti-manifestatie-solidaritate-satenii-din-pungesti-ora-18-00.htm HotNews.ro 16 October 2013 In a document signed and initialed by Director of School no. 1 of Pungești, it appears that the leadership of Vaslui County School Inspectorate prohibits teachers and students from leaving classes to attend the protest against shale gas.ISJ Vaslui: Elevii și profesorii din Pungești au interzis la demonstrațiile împotriva gazelor de șist http://www.antena3.ro/romania/isj-vaslui-elevii-si-profesorii-din-pungesti-au-interzis-la-demonstratiile-impotriva-gazelor-de-sist-231465.html Antena 3 16 October 2013 During a meeting of local councilors it was agreed to hold a local referendum about the use or banning of shale gas exploration and exploitation in the commune. Furthermore, one of the councilors demanded the resignation of the mayor be added to that referendum.Miza scandalului Chevron de la Vaslui: un teren concesionat americanilor pe care Biserica Ortodoxă îl vrea înapoi Răzvan Chiruță Petrică Răchită http://www.romanialibera.ro/actualitate/locale/miza-scandalului-chevron-de-la-vaslui-un-teren-concesionat-americanilor-pe-care-biserica-ortodoxa-il-vrea-inapoi-315371.html România Liberă 17 October 2013 4 January 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20171010101623/http://romanialibera.ro/actualitate/locale/miza-scandalului-chevron-de-la-vaslui-un-teren-concesionat-americanilor-pe-care-biserica-ortodoxa-il-vrea-inapoi-315371.html 10 October 2017 dead The prime minister called for a report from the Minister of Internal Affairs Radu Stroe about how the gendarmes acted in Pungești. Representatives of the Chevron company announced, on 17 October, the suspension of work on shale gas exploration in Siliștea, Pungești commune. The company also said it plans to pursue other exploration operations, and did not rule out the possibility of returning to Pungești.Chevron suspends shale gas exploration plan in Romanian village after protest https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/oct/21/chevron-shale-gas-exploration-omanian-pungesti The Guardian Luke Dale-Harris Vlad Ursulean 21 October 2013 The Royal House of Romania issued a press release in which it deplores the situation of Pungești locals and condemns the violence against "citizens of the Romanian state". The communiqué also notes, "Sovereignty belongs to the people, and the citizens must be consulted and listened to for any decision that may affect their right to health and future".http://casa-regala.blogspot.ro/2013/12/ne-intristeaza-situatia-de-la-pungesti.html Ne întristează situația de la Pungești Royal House of Romania 5 December 2013 4 January 2014 18 January 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140118230910/http://casa-regala.blogspot.ro/2013/12/ne-intristeaza-situatia-de-la-pungesti.html dead On 14 December, the Romanian Ombudsman took a stand about the situation in Pungești. Institution representatives went to the area to talk to local officials, Gendarmerie representatives and participants in the protests.http://stiri.tvr.ro/avocatul-poporului-s-a-sesizat-din-oficiu-in-legatura-cu-situatia-de-la-pungesti_38272.html Avocatul Poporului s-a sesizat din oficiu în legătură cu situația de la Pungești Știrile TVR 14 December 2013 A group of eleven Green MEPs from six countries (France, Germany, United Kingdom, Spain, Belgium and Luxembourg) sent an open letter to the President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, notifying on and condemning the manner in which the Government from Bucharest acts abusively against citizens of a community in Romania (Pungești), because of the interests of a private company. They claim violation of the rule of law and violation of rights and freedoms of European citizens including: right to physical integrity, right to private property, freedom of movement, freedom of expression and right to be informed.http://www.partidulverde.ro/2013/12/17/europarlamentarii-verzi-cer-presedintiei-parlamentului-european-incetarea-abuzurilor-guvernului-roman-in-cazul-pungesti/ Europarlamentarii Verzi cer președinției Parlamentului European încetarea abuzurilor Guvernului român în cazul Pungești Partidul Verde 17 December 2013http://www.greens-efa.eu/fracking-in-romania-11314.html Greens call on President Schulz to denounce the ongoing rights abuses in Pungești, Romania The Greens 17 December 2013 Resistance of Moșna Several villagers from Moșna, Sibiu County, revolted against the intention of Prospecțiuni S.A. employees to drill for potential shale gas reserves without the approval of the landowners.http://www.romanialibera.ro/exclusiv-rl/investigatii/un-nou-pungesti-cum-i-a-infuriat-o-companie-care-cauta-gaze-pe-satenii-dintr-o-comuna-din-sibiu-317879.html Un nou Pungești? Cum i-a înfuriat o companie care caută gaze pe sătenii dintr-o comună din Sibiu România Liberă Răzvan Chiruță Petrică Răchită 14 November 2013 4 January 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140119121919/http://www.romanialibera.ro/exclusiv-rl/investigatii/un-nou-pungesti-cum-i-a-infuriat-o-companie-care-cauta-gaze-pe-satenii-dintr-o-comuna-din-sibiu-317879.html 19 January 2014 dead The company belongs to Ovidiu Tender, an influential Romanian businessman. Willy Schuster, a German resident from Moșna, accused company employees that violated his household, trespassed and destroyed his goods. In May–June 2012, the dairy producer from Moșna, one of the leaders of the ecological farming movement in Romania, gathered tens of meters of cable on land he owns, all assembled by employees of the company that makes prospections in the region.http://adevarul.ro/life-style/travel/despre-turism-durabil-gaze-sist-willy-schuster-1_528d1005c7b855ff561b0968/index.html Despre turism durabil, gaze de șist și Willy Schuster Adevărul Traian Almășan 20 November 2013 On 16 November, more than 100 activists from the counties of Iași, Harghita, Sibiu, Brașov and Hunedoara joined the revolted villagers and protested against abuse of private property of residents.http://www.neuerweg.ro/gaze-de-sist-vreau-sa-l-vad-pe-ovidiu-tender-in-catuse-willy-schustermosna/ Gaze de șist: "Vreau să-l văd pe Ovidiu Tender în cătușe!" (Willy Schuster/Moșna) Neuer Weg 16 November 2013 People also said that substances used in exploitation affect bio cultures. An SUV of Prospecțiuni was surrounded by protesters, after the vehicle tried to enter the property of Willy Schuster.http://novatv.ro/2013/11/peste-o-suta-de-persoane-participa-la-protestele-de-la-mosna-un-jeep-al-prospectiuni-a-fortat-intrarea-pe-proprietatile-oamenilor/#.Uo-CYdI71_4 Peste o sută de persoane participă la protestele de la Moșna. Un jeep al Prospecțiuni a forțat intrarea pe proprietățile oamenilor Nova TV 16 November 2013 Police intervened and settled the conflict. The villagers removed cables from their lands.http://www.taz.de/!128860/ Umweltproteste in Rumänien: Kabelklau und Schiefergas taz.de 7 December 2013 German Cotaru Joachim http://activenews.ro/video-revolta-la-mosna-oamenii-din-sat-s-au-trezit-cu-cabluri-de-la-prospectiuni-sub-ferestre_186079.html Revoltă la Moșna! Oamenii din sat s-au trezit cu cabluri de la Prospecțiuni sub ferestre Active News Mihai Șomănescu 8 November 2013 The director of seismic works, Gheorghe Dăianu, threatened with violence and insulted protesters.http://www.nasul.tv/2013/11/13/rascoala-de-la-mosna-incidente-intre-angajatii-prospectiuni-s-a-si-localnici/ Răscoala de la Moșna: Incidente între angajații Prospecțiuni S.A. și localnici Nașul TV 13 November 2013 4 January 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20131203002444/http://www.nasul.tv/2013/11/13/rascoala-de-la-mosna-incidente-intre-angajatii-prospectiuni-s-a-si-localnici/ 3 December 2013 deadDecember 2013 Dăianu attempted to recover the cables from the Cultural House of Alma Vii, but barely escaped the fury of the crowd. Local television station Nova TV from Mediaș reported that 17 cars of Prospecțiuni company were found with cut tires, in front of the hotel where the employees were staying.http://stareanatiunii.com/proteste-si-amenintari-la-mosna-din-cauza-prospectiunilor-willy-schuster-video-si-poze.html Proteste și amenințări la Moșna din cauza prospecțiunilor Starea Națiunii 16 November 2013 4 January 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20131203013304/http://stareanatiunii.com/proteste-si-amenintari-la-mosna-din-cauza-prospectiunilor-willy-schuster-video-si-poze.html 3 December 2013 dead The activists denied involvement in the incident, showing that their protest was peaceful and aimed solely against abuse of private property of residents from Moșna and Alma Vii. There were even some who have suggested that company employees could have cut their own tires, in an attempt to "victimize".http://activenews.ro/se-retrage-sc-prospectiuni-sa-din-mosna-vezi-declaratia-biruitoare-asteptata-de-toti-protestarii-anti-gaze-de-sist_186882.html Se retrage SC Prospecțiuni SA din Moșna? VEZI declarația BIRUITOARE așteptată de toți protestarii împotriva gazelor de șist Active News Mihai Șomănescu 17 November 2013 Mihail Mitroi, vice-president of Prospecțiuni S.A., said that the company decided to stop work in the Moșna area after the protests of residents. Mitroi asserted that the company had suffered damages of 50,000 euros after actions of activists and mentioned that Prospecțiuni S.A. will act judicially for the recovery of damages.http://novatv.ro/2013/11/video-vicepresedintele-prospectiuni-sa-mihail-mitroidespre-intelegerile-cu-proprietarii-vezi-reactia-lui-willy-schuster/#.Uo-C8tI71_4 Vicepreședintele Prospecțiuni SA, Mihail Mitroi, despre înțelegerile cu proprietarii. VEZI reacția lui Willy Schuster Nova TV 12 November 2013 Prospecțiuni S.A. is now prosecuted by Sibiu County Police Inspectorate for trespassing, because of stretched cables with sensors for exploration on Willy Schuster's lands, without his consent. Tender's company is accused of violating several normative acts, including the Constitution, which guarantees the right to property.http://www.romanialibera.ro/actualitate/eveniment/mosna-sibiu-firma-lui-tender-cercetata-pentru-tulburare-de-posesie-s-au-montat-cabluri-de-prospectiuni-fara-aprobarea-proprietarilor-terenurilor-318070.html Moșna, Sibiu: Firma lui Tender, cercetată pentru tulburare de posesie. S-au montat cabluri de prospecțiuni fără aprobarea proprietarilor terenurilor România Liberă 16 November 2013 Protests for saving Băile Felix Băile Felix is a thermal spa resort of national interest. It risks to be closed after the Ponta Government approved the exploitation of shale gas in the area. According to the decision taken on 26 November 2013, the Government approved oil concession agreement for exploration, development and exploitation in the 3 Băile Felix perimeter by the East West Petroleum Corporation, a Canadian company with operations in United States, India, New Zealand and Morocco.http://www.realitatea.net/baile-felix-in-pericol-guvernul-a-aprobat-exploatarea-gazelor-de-sist-in-zona_1325356.html Băile Felix, ÎN PERICOL: Guvernul a aprobat exploatarea gazelor de șist în zonă Realitatea.net 26 November 2013 4 January 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20131230180137/http://www.realitatea.net/baile-felix-in-pericol-guvernul-a-aprobat-exploatarea-gazelor-de-sist-in-zona_1325356.html 30 December 2013 dead On 21 December, nearly 1,000 people protested in the Central Park of the commune of Sînmartin for fear that, after the installation of derricks, the Băile Felix resort will be destroyed. The meeting was held under the supervision of police and gendarmes.http://www.realitatea.net/in-strada-pentru-baile-felix-locuitorii-din-sinmartin-au-protestat-fata-de-gazele-de-sist_1345234.html În stradă pentru BĂILE FELIX. Locuitorii din Sînmartin au protestat față de gazele de șist Realitatea.net 21 December 2013 4 January 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20131230084825/http://www.realitatea.net/in-strada-pentru-baile-felix-locuitorii-din-sinmartin-au-protestat-fata-de-gazele-de-sist_1345234.html 30 December 2013 deadhttp://www.cotidianul.ro/protest-la-baile-felix-impotriva-gazelor-de-sist-228818/ Protest la Băile Felix împotriva gazelor de șist Cotidianul Crina Ionescu 22 December 2013 In the commune of Sînmartin, authorities started a campaign to collect signatures against shale drilling, with over 4,000 signatures having been collected so far.http://adevarul.ro/locale/oradea/manifestatie-gazelor-sist-baile-felix-1_52b59385c7b855ff56e6eca1/index.html# Manifestație împotriva gazelor de șist la Băile Felix Adevărul Remus Florescu 21 December 2013 2014 protests Arad County demonstrations On 1 February 2014, over 1,500 residents of Curtici and other 11 nearby localities attended a public meeting of protest against shale gas exploration in the area.http://www.romanialibera.ro/actualitate/eveniment/proteste-la-curtici-si-vaslui-fata-de-explorarea-gazelor-de-sist-324793.html Proteste la Curtici și Vaslui față de explorarea gazelor de șist România Liberă 2 February 2014 The meeting was attended, among others, by Dimitrie Muscă, Director of the Curtici Agroindustrial Complex, Nicolae A. Aniței, Mayor of Curtici, mayors of other localities in the area, Orthodox priests and pastors of neo-Protestant churches in the area. To avoid the eventual occurrence of unwanted events, in the area were deployed forces of gendarmes and policemen ready to intervene.http://www.ziare.com/stiri/proteste/protest-fata-de-gazele-de-sist-1-500-de-oameni-condusi-de-preoti-si-primari-au-iesit-in-strada-1280583 Protest față de gazele de șist: 1.500 de oameni conduși de preoți și primari au ieșit în stradă Ziare.com 1 February 2014 A similar protest took place in Macea, on 16 February, and was attended by more than 1,000 people.http://www.digi24.ro/Stiri/Regional/Digi24+Timisoara/Stiri/Gazele+de+sist+scot+din+nou+lumea+in+strada+Protest+pasnic+Macea Gazele de șist scot, din nou, lumea în stradă. Protest la Macea: "Nu-i lăsăm pe pământurile noastre, n-au ce căuta!" Digi24.ro 16 February 2014 The protests are a reaction to the decision of Hungarian company Panfora Oil to start the search of petroleum and natural gas in the area. Contrary to those declared by the Hungarian company, locals say that the searches are actually targeting the shale gas. Consequences In April 2012, less than three months after it took office, Romania's Ungureanu government has fallen. The centre-right administration, led by Mihai Răzvan Ungureanu, a former foreign-intelligence chief, lost a no-confidence vote filed by the left-wing opposition.https://edition.cnn.com/2012/04/27/world/europe/romania-government-collapse/ Romania's government falls after Parliament vote CNN Liliana Ciobanu 28 April 2012 "Today there was justice", said Victor Ponta, after securing 235 votes in favour of his motion, four more than he needed. "We don't want any more dubious firms, no more selling under the market price and huge bribes", he said in a five-hour-long debate that preceded the vote. He was referring, in part, to the government's granting of shale gas concessions to Chevron. In the motion of censure that overthrew the Ungureanu Government, Ponta and USL MPs accused the power of signing contracts only with the U.S. company, although "there were other companies that would have wanted to enter into such agreements with the Romanian authorities".http://www.gandul.info/politica/cum-a-ajuns-ponta-la-putere-gazele-de-sist-unul-din-capetele-de-acuzare-in-motiunea-de-cenzura-in-urma-careia-guvernul-ungureanu-a-fost-demis-in-aprilie-2012-11532024 Cum a ajuns Ponta la putere. Gazele de șist, unul din capetele de acuzare în moțiunea de cenzură în urma căreia guvernul Ungureanu a fost demis în aprilie 2012 Gândul Cristian Andrei 17 October 2013 Reaction of authorities Former Environment Minister Sulfina Barbu accused the government of "lying" about shale gas."Protestele de la Bârlad privind gazele de șist sunt 'o reacție la minciunile USL'" https://web.archive.org/web/20141230133454/http://www.rfi.ro/articol/stiri/politica/protestele-barlad-privind-gazele-sist-sunt-o-reactie-minciunile-usl 30 December 2014 , RFI România, 1 March 2013 She said that protests in Bârlad on shale gas are "people's reaction to babbling and lies of USL Government". According to protesters, Liviu Dragnea and Victor Ponta provide misinformation about the risks of shale drilling, and the Environment Minister Rovana Plumb argues that environmental permits are not even required in order to start exploration."Vara asta mergem pe litoral la Vaslui", Vox Publica, 27 May 2013 In a television broadcast, the Economy Minister Varujan Vosganian said that "the shale gas can not be exploited without huge risks". In another train of thoughts, Prime Minister Victor Ponta supports shale gas exploration, but in compliance with European and international standards for environmental protection."Victor Ponta: «Da, susțin explorarea gazelor de șist», HotNews.ro, 25 January 2013 PNL senator for Brașov, Sebastian Grapa, called for the establishment of a parliamentary commission of inquiry about the effects of shale drilling, given that Prime Minister Victor Ponta said he would "beat" for the use of these resources."Noi TENSIUNI în USL: PNL face comisie de anchetă privind gazele de șist" https://web.archive.org/web/20131212071614/http://www.realitatea.net/noi-tensiuni-in-usl-pnl-face-comisie-de-ancheta-privind-gazele-de-sist_1205294.html#ixzz2WNA4R9au%20 12 December 2013 , Realitatea.net, 15 June 2013 In the United States, the most important center for strategic studies in Washington, CSIS, released a report entitled "Hidden war against the exploitation of shale gas"."ANALIZĂ. Războiul gazelor de șist: 'Spiritul civic' de la Bârlad și rolul Moscovei" https://web.archive.org/web/20131212205904/http://www.evz.ro/detalii/stiri/razboiul-gazelor-de-sist-1026109.html 12 December 2013 , Evenimentul Zilei, 1 March 2013 Americans' conclusion was that the Russians staged uprisings against shale gas and they would directly or indirectly finance the so-called environmental organizations that protest. The American report bears the signature of the most important U.S. energy analyst, Keith Smith."Unconventional gas and European security: Politics and foreign policy of fracking in Europe", Center for Strategic and International Studies The report indicates that Romania is in the midst of a campaign of manipulation and diversion, with huge political and economic stakes."ANALIZĂ. 4 mutări geostrategice rusești în jurul României", Evenimentul Zilei, 27 February 2013 In several dozen communes in the Vaslui County, mayors and local councils have banned shale gas exploitation, arguing that it would harm the environment, or drinking water."Comunele vasluiene, somate de guvern să revoce interdicțiile de exploatare a gazelor de șist", Evenimentul Zilei, 7 June 2013 The decisions approved by local councils and supported by resident population are considered out-of-scope (and thus not legally binding) by the Government. In this way, the communes were urged to revoke bans on shale gas exploitation. More than that, Vaslui County Prefecture brought to court 11 decisions made by local councils, that disagree with the exploitations. The Prefecture invokes an article of the Constitution, according to which deposits are owned by the state and local council approval is not required. In reply, mayors of the communes where derricks will be installed say they will not abandon the idea of banning the Canadian company's presence in the areas they lead."VASLUI. Război între prefect și primari pe tema exploatării gazelor de șist", Digi24, 2 August 2013 President Traian Băsescu also had a reaction on this issue. In a press conference in June 2013, he said that he supports the projects related to shale gas. Likewise, he said that shale gas exploitation is a matter of confidence from the Government."Traian Băsescu: 'Gazele de șist se asumă'. Reacția PNL" https://web.archive.org/web/20131226115631/http://www.realitatea.net/traian-basescu-gazele-de-sist-se-asuma_1205481.html 26 December 2013 , Realitatea.net, 16 June 2013 See also Romania 2013 Romanian protests against the Roșia Montană Project Anti-fracking movement List of protests in the 21st century References 32em Further reading Implicarea Rusiei în protestele de la Pungești. UPDATE – protestul a fost pregătit aproape doi ani Implicarea Rusiei în protestele de la Pungești (2). Proiectul "Moldova Mare" Implicarea Rusiei în protestele de la Pungești (3). Faza pe ONG-uri Category:2012–2015 unrest in Romania Category:2012 in the environment Category:2013 in the environment Category:2014 in the environment Category:2012 protests Category:2013 protests Category:2014 protests Category:Protests in Romania Category:2012 in Romania Category:2013 in Romania Category:2014 in Romania Category:History of Romania (1989–present) Category:Anti-fracking movement Category:Environmental protests