AKIPRESS.COM - The Romanian capital, Bucharest, has seen one of its largest ever anti-government protests after a decree was passed that could free dozens of officials jailed for corruption, BBCreported.

A crowd of at least 150,000 was reported outside government offices late on Wednesday and rallies took place in other towns and cities.

Some protesters in the capital threw firecrackers and smoke bombs at police who responded with tear gas.

The decree was passed late on Tuesday.

The leftist government, led by Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), says it is needed to ease overcrowding in prisons.

But Mr Grindeanu's critics say he is trying to release allies convicted of corruption.

Wednesday's protests came hours after the EU warned Romania against "backtracking" in its efforts to beat corruption.