Legal Historical Excavations in the Files of the Former Romanian Securitate 2. The “War Criminal” Professor of Law György Bónis

Abstract

The study analyses the story of the forced expulsion of György Bónis (1914–1985), a prominent legal historian, from Romania in 1947, along with its background and consequences. Research into Romanian intelligence archives has revealed new details about the preparation of a show trial, which was driven by the Marxist transformation of Bolyai University, personal grievances, and deliberate defamation efforts. The study illustrates how Bónis’s academic
work, personal connections, and perceived or partially accurate statements became targets of political manipulation under the totalitarian regime. The Bónis case serves as a compelling example of political purges where ideological narratives prevailed over actual crimes.