Romania labour camp commander given 20-year term

Alexandru Visinescu, who ran one of the most notorious labour camps under Romania's ousted Communist regime, was given a 20-year jail term Friday.

Visinescu, 89, had been on trial since September on charges of crimes against humanity, in the first case of its kind since the fall of Nicolae Ceausescu's regime in 1989.

Prosecutors had sought a 25-year term.

Visinescu, who was not present for the sentencing, has 10 days in which to appeal.

He made no comment when contacted by AFP.

Visinescu is accused of operating an "extermination regime" at the Ramnicu Sarat prison for political prisoners, which he ran from 1956 to 1963.

At least 14 people died during his tenure.

All prisoners were held in solitary and denied the right to speak to anyone, and suffered hunger and beatings.

Over 600,000 people were jailed in Romania for political reasons between 1945 and 1989, according to the Sighet Memorial for the victims of communism.

The most severe crackdowns took place in the 1950s.

Visinescu said in his defence that he was obeying orders from his superiors and upheld the law. He voiced no regrets or apologies.