BUCHAREST: Romanian prosecutors have issued a fresh indictment against former president Ion Iliescu for crimes against humanity stemming from a deadly crackdown on protesters in 1990. The indictment marks the latest development in a series of legal proceedings against Iliescu over the incident.
The crackdown occurred in June 1990 when four persons were killed after Iliescu allegedly called upon thousands of miners to assist police in quelling the demonstration. This incident followed shortly after the execution of the communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu.
Investigations into the violent suppression of the anti-communist protest have spanned over two decades. Iliescu was first accused in 2005 and was ordered to stand trial in 2017, although charges were later dropped due to procedural issues. The investigation was subsequently reopened.
Military prosecutors announced on Friday their decision to proceed with criminal proceedings against Iliescu for crimes against humanity. In addition to the fatalities, the prosecutors noted instances of rape, injuries to over 1,300 individuals, and the unlawful detention of around 1,200 people for political reasons.
Iliescu, now 94 years old, was informed of the charges at his residence in Bucharest and could potentially face a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. Despite widespread international condemnation, he has consistently denied responsibility for the violence.
Other officials implicated in the incident include former prime minister Petre Roman and Virgil Magureanu, who served as the intelligence chief at the time of the crackdown.
In 2014, the European Court of Human Rights criticized Bucharest for its failure to adequately investigate the crimes committed during the aftermath of the revolution, leading to renewed legal action in the case.
Justice Minister Alina Gorghiu emphasized the state’s obligation to Romanian society in bringing closure to the longstanding case. Teodor Maries, president of the 21 December 1989 civic association advocating for justice, expressed frustration over the slow progress but acknowledged a slight positive development in the case.
