Capital punishment in Romania

Death Penalty laws in Europe

Capital punishment in Romania

Capital punishment in Romania refers to the historical and legal aspects of the death penalty in Romania. The practice of capital punishment has undergone significant changes over the centuries, reflecting the country's evolving legal and political landscape.

Historical Background

Capital punishment has been a part of Romanian law since the medieval period. During the Kingdom of Romania, the death penalty was used for various crimes, including murder, treason, and espionage. The methods of execution included hanging and shooting.

Communist Era

Under the Communist regime led by Nicolae Ceaușescu, capital punishment was widely used as a tool of political repression. Many political dissidents and opponents of the regime were executed. The most notable execution during this period was that of Ceaușescu himself and his wife, Elena Ceaușescu, on December 25, 1989, following a summary trial during the Romanian Revolution.

Abolition

Following the fall of the Communist regime, Romania moved towards the abolition of the death penalty. In January 1990, the Provisional Government of Romania abolished capital punishment, making Romania one of the first Eastern European countries to do so after the collapse of communism. The abolition was part of a broader effort to align Romanian law with European Union standards and human rights norms.

Legal Framework

The abolition of capital punishment was enshrined in the Constitution of Romania, which was adopted in 1991. Article 22 of the Constitution explicitly prohibits the death penalty. Romania is also a signatory to several international treaties that prohibit capital punishment, including the European Convention on Human Rights and its Protocols.

Current Status

Today, Romania is a staunch opponent of the death penalty and advocates for its abolition worldwide. The country supports various international initiatives aimed at ending capital punishment and is a member of the European Union, which has a strong stance against the death penalty.

Public Opinion

Public opinion in Romania has shifted over the years. While there was significant support for the death penalty during the early 1990s, particularly in the wake of the violent overthrow of the Communist regime, support has waned as the country has integrated more closely with European norms and values.

See Also

• Romanian Revolution
• Nicolae Ceaușescu
• Human rights in Romania
• European Convention on Human Rights
• Constitution of Romania