On 15 December 1989, the deadline for the eviction of reformed priest László Tőkés expires. Parishioners gather to try to stop the eviction, thus starting the Romanian Revolution.
On 15 December 1989, the deadline for the eviction of reformed priest László Tőkés expires. Parishioners gather to try to stop the eviction, thus starting the Romanian Revolution.
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The Securitate decided to move Tőkés to the village of Mineu, Sălaj county. In March 1989 they informed him of the deadline for the move: 15 December 1989. His first appeal was rejected in August and and the second on 28 November.
In March, Tőkés gives an interview to two Canadian journalists (Réjean Roy and Michel Clair), which was broadcasted on 24 July on Hungarian state television, thus making his case known in the West.
As the deadline was approaching, Tőkés informed his congregation on Sunday, 10 December, of what was to happen on the 15th, and urged the parishioners to participate as peaceful witnesses, as he was not going to leave voluntarily, anticipating that the authorities would use force.
On the morning of 15 December, several dozen worshippers gather in front of the church in St Mary’s Square. Radu Tinu, deputy head of Timis County Securitate, is informed that 20-25 people have gathered in front of Tőkés’ house, claiming to be guarding the priest. He then sends Petru Pele, the head of the service in charge of the surveillance of the pastor, to the scene to prevent foreign diplomats from entering the house. When he arrives, he finds Dennis Curry (secretary II at the US embassy) accompanied by a British journalist. Thanks to this Western presence, the Securitate does not intervene.
As the party and Securitate hierarchy is informed of the event, the peaceful crowd grows throughout the day. In the afternoon, 300-400 people are in front of the church. In an attempt to pacify the people, the local authorities negotiate with Tőkés. In the evening, Tőkés announces the outcome of the talks from the window and thanks the people in Romanian and Hungarian (2nd photo). The crowd, already 1,000 strong, begins to chant “Awaken Thee, Romanian!”. The priest tells them that although he likes patriotic songs, he doesn’t think it’s the time and place to sing them. Although there are small altercations between the protesters and law enforcement, there are no violent incidents.