Ceaucescu

[DivaDebs]

I am researching a book, and want to have a bit of background about Romania, during the regime of Ceaucescu.

I know he was shot dead on TV in 1989. Could anyone tell me if the Romanians would have watched this? I would find it difficult to believe any of them would have a TV, but would any of them been able to have watched it live?

I would like to place one of my characters there at the time.

Thanks for your help.

[Drusilla]

Having read the attached, it would appear the trial and execution were recorded, but not broadcast live, but I admit I always thought it had been shown live myself.

It's interesting to note he arranged a supportive protest and live broadcast to back his regime against the growing dissident movement which backfired dramatically. The crowd began to boo and shout at him and as this was live television, it looks as though it encouraged others to join the protest against him.

Good luck with the story.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/romania.htm

[A Chill Wind]

More about Ceascescu here, which backs up Drusilla's answer. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceaucescu

[DivaDebs]

Many thanks to both of you. Exactly what I needed.

[noxlumos]

I saw the tape on TV if I remember but I think it was a few days after the execution and I wasn't in Romania at the time.

[DivaDebs]

Thanks Noxlumos. Do you remember if the actual execution was shown, or was it just the bodies of he and his wife? Sorry - morbid, I know, but, hey - he had it coming! Thanks!

From what I see, the rest of the world saw the footage before it was shown in Romania.

[bernardo]

I've just noticed that you've got the question in two different sections! :-)

I think that the intention was to show the whole execution, but the soldiers who were shooting him were so keen to get on with it that they started shooting before being given the official order. The person with the camera wasn't quite ready, so the film only shows the later part of the shooting - and then walking towards the bodies and lifting up their heads to show the faces.

[DivaDebs]

Hello again Bernardo! Excellent - that makes perfect sense. Thanks again everyone.