Romania's spring 1990 demonstration survivors, who suffered from violence, still seek compensations, three and a half decades later
In the summer of 1990, Romania was in turmoil. The country was still reeling from the revolution that had overthrown dictator Nicolae Ceausescu in December 1989, and the political leadership of Ion Iliescu and the National Salvation Front (FSN) was under scrutiny.
On June 14 and 15, 1990, a significant event took place in Bucharest, the capital city. Thousands of miners were called to suppress peaceful demonstrations against the FSN. This period, known as the 'mineriade,' was a turning point in Romania's post-revolution era.
The protests were daily occurrences on University Square, led by citizens who disapproved of Ion Iliescu and the FSN. The protesters chanted 'Down with Iliescu,' believing the FSN was a continuation of the old communist guard.
One of the daily attendees was Ioana-Izabela Odor, a 74-year-old woman who worked at the Meteorology Institute. She recalls her participation in the protests, emphasising her disapproval of Ion Iliescu and the FSN.
In April 2025, Ion Iliescu and Petre Roman, who was the prime minister of the provisional government in June 1990, were charged with 'crimes against humanity' in relation to the 'mineriade' of June 14 and 15, 1990. However, Ion Iliescu died on August 5, 2025, at the age of 95, which led to the dropping of charges against him.
Despite Ion Iliescu's death, the investigations into the 'mineriade' continue. The leading investigators of the further inquiries into the 'mineriade' cases after Ion Iliescu's death have not been publicly specified. The victims of the 'mineriade' still demand reparations for the harm they suffered during those days.
The 'mineriade' was a dark chapter in Romania's post-revolution history, and its implications continue to be felt today. As the investigation into the events of June 1990 continues, the hope remains that justice will be served for those affected by the 'mineriade.'
Read also:
- United States tariffs pose a threat to India, necessitating the recruitment of adept negotiators or strategists, similar to those who had influenced Trump's decisions.
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
