IICCMER: Investigating Communist Crimes and the Romanian Exile
The Institute for the Investigation of Communist Crimes and the Memory of the Romanian Exile (Romanian: Institutul de Investigare a Crimelor Comunismului şi Memoria Exilului Românesc, known as IICCMER) serves as a critical government-sponsored organization dedicated to uncovering the truth about Romania's totalitarian past. Its primary mission is to investigate the systemic crimes and abuses perpetrated during the era of communist rule, which lasted until December 1989.
The establishment of such an institution became possible following the Romanian Revolution, a pivotal event that saw the overthrow of the Communist government and the subsequent election of a democratic president in May 1990.
Key Facts
- Full Name: Institute for the Investigation of Communist Crimes and the Memory of the Romanian Exile (IICCMER).
- Purpose: Investigating crimes and abuses committed under communist rule prior to December 1989.
- Core Activities: Gathering data, documents, and testimonies of oppressive actions.
- Affiliation: Member organization of the Platform of European Memory and Conscience.
- Current Leadership: Led by Alexandra Toader since January 2020.
Objectives and Operations
IICCMER operates with a clear mandate to ensure that the atrocities of the past are documented and acknowledged. The institute focuses on several primary objectives to achieve this goal:
Evidence Gathering and Legal Notification
The institute is tasked with the rigorous collection of data, official documents, and personal testimonies. These records detail the oppressive actions exerted by the communist system. Once this evidence is gathered, IICCMER is responsible for notifying the state's criminal investigation departments to facilitate legal accountability.
Public Education and Awareness
Beyond legal pursuits, the institute plays a vital role in informing the general public. It highlights the crimes, abuses, and instigations to crime that were carried out by powerful figures within the regime. These actions were often justified under the guise of class struggle—a political concept used by communist regimes to justify the persecution of perceived enemies of the state.
Leadership and International Cooperation
The institute has been guided by experts in history and archaeology. For many years, it was led by President Marius Oprea, a University of Bucharest graduate with a PhD in history. In January 2020, leadership transitioned to Alexandra Toader.
To ensure its work aligns with broader continental efforts to remember totalitarianism, IICCMER is a member organization of the Platform of European Memory and Conscience, collaborating with other European entities to preserve the memory of victims of communist and Nazi regimes.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Former Name | Institute for the Investigation of Communist Crimes in Romania |
| Scope of Investigation | Pre-December 1989 Communist Rule |
| Key Leadership | Marius Oprea (Former), Alexandra Toader (Current) |
| International Partner | Platform of European Memory and Conscience |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary mission of IICCMER?
The primary mission is to investigate the crimes and abuses conducted while Romania was under communist rule prior to December 1989.
How does the institute handle the evidence it finds?
IICCMER gathers data, documents, and testimonies regarding oppressive actions and notifies the state's criminal investigation departments of these findings.
Who currently leads the institute?
Since January 2020, the institute has been led by Alexandra Toader.
What is the significance of the "class struggle" in IICCMER's work?
The institute informs the public about how the concept of "class struggle" was used by powerful individuals within the communist system to justify crimes and abuses.
Is IICCMER part of any international organizations?
Yes, it is a member organization of the Platform of European Memory and Conscience.