Sign in Subscribe
Political parties

Romanian President Pardons 24 Prisoners Ahead of Council of Europe Visit

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Romanian President Ion Iliescu has pardoned 24 prisoners, including former communist party leaders and ethnic Hungarians, in a move likely aimed at improving Romania's human rights record ahead of a Council of Europe visit. The pardoned individuals, including eight former communist politburo members, were convicted of complicity in the killing of over 1,200 people who rebelled against the communist regime in December 1989. The pardon comes as the Romanian government prepares to face a Council of Europe mission, which will assess the country's adherence to minority and human rights protections.

Key Takeaways:

  • Romanian President Ion Iliescu has pardoned 24 prisoners, including 8 former communist politburo members and 16 ethnic Hungarians.
  • The pardoned individuals were convicted of complicity in the killing of over 1,200 people who rebelled against the communist regime in December 1989.
  • The pardon is likely aimed at improving Romania's human rights record ahead of a Council of Europe visit, which will assess the country's adherence to minority and human rights protections.
  • 12 former communist party leaders were released in 1990 due to poor health.
  • The Ethnic Hungarians Democratic Union Party had complained to the Council of Europe about alleged persecution of their 2-million-strong community.
  • The pardon may be seen as a concession to the Ethnic Hungarians Party, whose opinion was expressed by a member of the Council of Europe mission.
  • The Council of Europe mission was scheduled to visit Romania two days after the pardon was issued.

Statistics:

  • 24 prisoners were pardoned by Romanian President Ion Iliescu.
  • 8 former communist politburo members were among the pardoned individuals.
  • 16 ethnic Hungarians were also pardoned.
  • The pardoned individuals were convicted of complicity in the killing of 1,200+ people.
  • 12 former communist party leaders were released in 1990 due to poor health.
  • The Romanian government had been criticized by the Council of Europe for alleged persecution of the ethnic Hungarian minority.
  • The ethnic Hungarian minority makes up approximately 7% of Romania's population.

Sources:

  • "Romanian President Pardons 24 Prisoners Ahead of Council of Europe Visit" (no date).
  • Traian Chebeleu, quoted in "Romanian President Grants General Amnesty" (no date).
  • Information provided by the Romanian government (no date).

Read more