Mass media, and enigma of Timisoara’s 4,632 deaths in December 1989

Suspicions regarding the exaggerated number of deaths in Revolution in Timișoara would be voiced as early as before the end of the year 1989. Undoubtedly, there is a great discrepancy between the real events that took place in Timișoara and in Romania during the repression initiated by Ceaușescu in December 1989 and the way in which they were accounted by the international mass media. The analysis of the facts was deficient, significant names in the field of media research provided analyses based on shaky information and findings, often taken from the press. A mystification of reality was followed by a mystification of research, indicating that there aren’t great differences between the exaggerated accounts of the revolution events and the attempts at clearing these up. Denouncing falsehood (which, undoubtedly, existed) with superficial information and personal opinions is the way to further continue the mystification.