Romanian prisoners
Sir: While the review conference of the Helsinki Accords is under way in Vienna, hundreds of Romanian political and reli- gious prisoners languish in jail in flagrant violation of these and other agreements. Our ever-lengthening lists contain names of about a dozen people sentenced to heavy prison terms solely for publicly criticising President Ceausescu and his large ruling family. Amnesty International is dealing with some 'non-violent' one who got nine- to ten-year sentences. But we also need help for people like young Nicolae Litoiu, sentenced in 1981 to 15 years for helping to light fireworks at a stand displaying the 'conducator's' books. Isn't five years enough punishment for such a 'crime'?
Romanians have taken part in the com- memoration of the 30th anniversary of the heroic Hungarian Revolution, which they supported: on this occasion, we appeal anew for the release of three Romanian citizens of Hungarian origin, Bela Pal and Erno Borbely — both very ill — and Laszlo Buzas, convicted for 'political offences'. Horia Georgescu
London Representative, Ligue pour la Defense des Droits de l'Homme en Roumanie, 36a Arterberry Road, London SW20
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