Update: Former President Ion Iliescu heard by the Prosecutor’s Office

Former President Ion Iliescu was heard Thursday morning by the Prosecutor’s Office in the Revolution file.

Upon leaving the offices, Iliescu was asked by journalists if he feels guilty for the people who died during the Revolution and replied: “What for? You should have a little bit discernment.” Iliescu left the Prosecutor’s Office after two hours and said he had a “friendly discussion” with the military prosecutors.

In June 2016, the High Court for Cassation and Justice (ICCJ – Supreme Court) confirmed the decision made by the Prosecutor’s Office to reopen the prosecution in the file.

In April 2016, interim Prosecutor General Bogdan Licu announced the investigation has been reopened, motivating that the decision to classify the file made in October 2015 by the Military Prosecutor was ungrounded and illegal.

By ordinance on November 1, 2016 the military prosecutors decided to extend the criminal prosecution in rem for crimes against humanity.

The file was investigated for 27 years and no person involved in taking over the power in 1989 has been indicted. Crimes against humanity do not prescribe.

Former PM Petre Roman, MEP Laszlo Tokes, the Director of Bucharest National theatre, Ion Caramitru – former member of the Executive Bureau of the National Salvation Front Council – and writer Mircea Dinescu have already been heard in the Revolution file.