Corneliu Coposu was a steadfast defender of democracy and fought for freedom and justice, in a dark period of our history, when those who spoke the truth were punished, imprisoned, tortured and sentenced to death, President Nicusor Dan said on Tuesday.

The head of state laid a wreath at the monument erected in honour of the politician, to commemorate three decades since his death.

„During the 17 years spent in communist prisons, Corneliu Coposu preserved his values and remained faithful to the ideals of integrity, uprightness and political morality. Through his personal example, Corneliu Coposu proved that dignity and faith in democracy can survive even the darkest regimes. After the fall of communism, he re-entered public life, becoming the symbol of an authentically democratic alternative and an ethical way of doing politics, with deep respect for people,” Nicusor Dan wrote on Facebook.

Corneliu Coposu „remains one of the brightest and strongest figures of our recent history, an example of courage, decency and loyalty to Romania,” the president emphasised.

According to him, The Senior’s [as Corneliu Coposu was called – editor’s note] legacy is more relevant today than ever.

„Principles are not negotiable, and freedom and democracy cannot be considered as won forever. We have the duty to defend them every day, with determination and responsibility,” added Nicusor Dan. AGERPRES