Mircea Răceanu has died, an emblematic defector of the Romanian communist regime

Mircea Răceanu, at the age of 90, passed away in the United States, being one of the most important defectors of the Romanian communist regime. Considered the second most important defector after Ion Mihai Pacepa, Răceanu had a remarkable diplomatic career, leading the 'America' Directorate in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He was arrested on January 31, 1989, accused of espionage for the United States, and sentenced to death in July 1989, the sentence being later commuted to 20 years in prison. His case attracted international attention, being seen as a symbol of political repression.

After the Revolution of 1989, Răceanu settled in the USA, where he became an American citizen, and in 2000, the Supreme Court annulled his conviction. He was decorated in 2002 with the National Order 'For Merit' by President Ion Iliescu.

Răceanu claimed that his actions were meant to undermine the communist regime from within.