Romanian generals sentenced to 15 years in prison for crimes in 1989 revolution
Two Romanian generals were sentenced to 15 years in prison by the High Court for ordering attacks in 1989 against civilians gathered at a central square in the western city of Timisoara to protest against then Communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu.
Mihai Chitac and Victor Athanasie Stanculescu, both 79, were dishonorably discharged from the Romanian army and will remain without the right to vote five years beyond the completion of their prison terms.
The two were also ordered to pay damages to the families of those killed and hurt during the clashes. In all, 73 people were killed and another 253 injured during the uprising, which led to the anti-communist revolution that triggered the fall of a four-decade regime of terror and repression.
A lawyer representing more than 80 plaintiffs in the case said she will appeal amount to be paid, saying the “money is too little.” Other requests for damages from relatives of people injured or killed during the clash were denied.Lawyers for Chitac and Stanculescu said on March 20 his clients should be acquitted, emphasizing they played an important rule in bringing an end to the communist regime.
Footage entered as evidence during the trial showed that Stanculescu ordered army troops to open fire on civilians gathered in Timisoara on December 21, 1989 to protest Ceausescu’s rule.
A witness who testified at the trial said that Chitac, in charge of the troops sent to quell the uprising, also ordered troops to open fire and was seen shooting at civilians on the steps of a cathedral in the main square.
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