Romania’s first prime minister after the fall of Nicolae Ceaușescu’s regime discusses Iran’s human rights crisis and compares it to the fall of Ceaușescu.
In an interview with Simay Azadi on the sidelines of the Free Iran World Summit in Paris, Petre Roman, Romania’s first prime minister after the fall of Nicolae Ceaușescu in 1989, discussed the worsening human rights situation in Iran, the wave of political executions, lessons from Romania’s democratic transition, the role of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), and his message to the Iranian people.
During the interview, Roman described Iran as one of the world’s most repressive regimes, compared its current crackdown to the final days of Ceaușescu’s regime, argued that a democratic alternative is both possible and necessary, and said the NCRI’s political program could provide a viable future for Iran.
Read the full text of the interview below (edited for clarity):
Q: What are your thoughts about the situation of human rights in general and specifically about the executions of political prisoners?
Petre Roman: Well, to talk about human rights in Iran right now is almost a nonsense, because there are no human rights.
The regime doesn’t respect any human rights.
The brutality and cruelty of the executions—I mean, people are being massacred, not just executed—is beyond any human consideration.
This should be one of the most important issues before the international community, for everyone who cares not only about human rights but about the simple meaning of being human.
What is happening today is even more striking than before.
Under the pressure of the war and the attacks, the Iranian regime decided to suppress every form of protest by using every possible means, including the most brutal ones—massacres.
That is the reality in Iran today.
Nobody should indulge in propaganda or try to justify it.
There is no explanation that can excuse these actions.
I believe this is perhaps the most repressive regime in the world today, and one of the most repressive in modern history.
I speak from experience because I was the first Prime Minister of Romania after the fall of the dictatorship.
In the final days of that dictatorship, the Romanian dictator was also massacring and killing people.
Q: He had also traveled to Iran shortly before.
Petre Roman: Yes, just before.
At that time, however, we did not consider the regime in Iran to be as brutal and cruel as it has become today.
I know what dictatorship looks like.
Ceaușescu unleashed terrible violence and ordered people to be killed.
The Romanian people rose up against him.
I was there at the barricades in Bucharest.
I don’t know why I survived—I can only believe God helped me stay alive.
Only twelve hours after the massacre at the barricades, the regime collapsed completely.
[Video insert: News footage of the Romanian Revolution]
Romanian Newscaster: “…the trial of Nicolae Ceaușescu and Elena Ceaușescu…”
English Translation: The execution of the deposed Romanian leader and his wife was announced tonight on state television. The newscaster said the Ceaușescus had been tried on Christmas Day. They were charged with genocide, murdering 60,000 people, abusing their power, destroying public property, and undermining the national economy. Nicolae Ceaușescu was also accused of transferring one billion dollars of Romania’s wealth into foreign bank accounts.
Romanian Newscaster: “…for these grave crimes…”
English Translation: The newscaster said that on all charges, Nicolae and Elena Ceaușescu were found guilty and sentenced to death.
Petre Roman: Iran is a great country with a great culture and a well-educated population.
I believe a democratic government is possible in Iran.
It can take care of its people and build a modern economy.
The Iranian people are fully capable of doing that.
The alternative is defined by the opposition to this regime, and I am speaking specifically about the National Council of Resistance of Iran.
Today, the opposition—the Free Iran movement—is more important than ever.
That is my view.
Q: Could you tell us about your own experience meeting the Iranian Resistance in Paris and participating in these conferences over the years?
Petre Roman: Absolutely.
I first came here about seven years ago.
By now, I suppose I’m a veteran of these gatherings.
From the very beginning, I felt a warm and sincere spirit.
I met brave, brave fighters.
I also believe the political program offered by the NCRI has real substance.
It is a serious political program.
I believe it could work.
I truly feel that it offers a path that could benefit both Iran and its people.
Q: Finally, if you could speak directly to the Iranian people watching this interview, what would your message be?
Petre Roman: It is more than a message.
It is my profound feeling of solidarity with the Iranian people—the brave, brave fighters for freedom in Iran.
I deeply feel that solidarity.
From the bottom of my heart, I wish to see you victorious.
I wish to see you governing your own country and holding the destiny of your nation in your own hands.
Free Iran!
Q: We wish you and the people of Romania all the best. Thank you very much.
Petre Roman: Thank you very much.