Gohebwyr: John Stevenson

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0:00:01 > 0:00:06- Otopeni Airport, Bucharest, 1989

0:00:07 > 0:00:10- Two days after Christmas Day, - 1989...

0:00:11 > 0:00:14- ..an aeroplane - leaves Bucharest airport.

0:00:16 > 0:00:20- Aboard are a crew of six - and one passenger...

0:00:20 > 0:00:24- ..a young Welsh photographer, - Ian Parry.

0:00:24 > 0:00:26- PILOT ANNOUNCEMENT

0:00:26 > 0:00:28- Ready for take off.

0:00:31 > 0:00:35- It was the first flight out - of Romania for a month...

0:00:35 > 0:00:40- ..since the historical events - that shook the country to its core.

0:00:40 > 0:00:44- The revolution reached - a bloody climax in late 1989.

0:00:45 > 0:00:48- More than one thousand - were killed in Bucharest...

0:00:49 > 0:00:53- ..as Nicolae Ceausescu's - communist regime was toppled.

0:00:57 > 0:01:03- Ian Parry, a Welsh photographer, - was working for The Sunday Times.

0:01:03 > 0:01:07- He was determined to record - this historical event.

0:01:08 > 0:01:11- He was returning to London - with rare photographs...

0:01:12 > 0:01:15- ..for the Fleet Street newspapers.

0:01:16 > 0:01:20- The aeroplane - didn't reach its destination.

0:01:53 > 0:01:58- Ian Parry and the crew - were killed in a remote forest.

0:02:02 > 0:02:08- The official explanation - was ice on the wings.

0:02:09 > 0:02:12- It couldn't have been bad weather. - It did not make any sense.

0:02:13 > 0:02:15- Rumours circled from the start...

0:02:16 > 0:02:19- ..that the photographer - was murdered...

0:02:19 > 0:02:23- ..to prevent photographs of - the revolution and war crimes...

0:02:23 > 0:02:25- ..from reaching the world.

0:02:26 > 0:02:28- If the plane was shot down, - it's murder, plain and simple.

0:02:29 > 0:02:32- Murder is murder, however long ago.

0:02:33 > 0:02:37- If the culprits are alive, - they should be punished.

0:02:40 > 0:02:45- The journalist and former political - correspondent, John Stevenson...

0:02:46 > 0:02:49- ..is on a journey back - to Romania's dark days.

0:02:49 > 0:02:55- He hopes to answer the question that - remains unanswered after 25 years.

0:03:02 > 0:03:04- Subtitles

0:03:27 > 0:03:31- # CEAUSESCU'S FINAL SPEECH #

0:03:36 > 0:03:40- I've been interested in Romania - for decades.

0:03:41 > 0:03:43- As a political correspondent...

0:03:43 > 0:03:47- ..I was fascinated - by the country's politics.

0:03:47 > 0:03:51- The revolution - that toppled Ceausescu...

0:03:52 > 0:03:55- ..took place 25 years ago.

0:03:55 > 0:03:59- But his presence still - casts shadows over the country.

0:04:00 > 0:04:04- To face - the future with confidence...

0:04:04 > 0:04:08- ..the people - and politicians of Romania...

0:04:08 > 0:04:12- ..must face events - they chose to forget.

0:04:13 > 0:04:16- It's a murky past.

0:04:22 > 0:04:25- Any journalist worth his salt...

0:04:25 > 0:04:28- ..is inquisitive and nosy.

0:04:29 > 0:04:34- I've been aware of Ian Parry's story - for a long time.

0:04:34 > 0:04:39- This is the first chance I've had - to get to the bottom of the story...

0:04:39 > 0:04:43- ..to understand what - and why it happened.

0:04:43 > 0:04:49- Why was Ian Parry from Prestatyn - killed in a forest so far from home?

0:04:52 > 0:04:56- Shortly after Ian Parry's death - at 24 years of age...

0:04:56 > 0:05:00- ..The Ian Parry Scholarship - was set up in his memory.

0:05:01 > 0:05:05- It's an annual competition - for young photographers.

0:05:05 > 0:05:08- This is adjudication day.

0:05:09 > 0:05:14- I'm going to London - to meet people who knew Ian Parry.

0:05:15 > 0:05:18- I hope to get to know the man.

0:05:25 > 0:05:29- London's Frontline Club - was formed...

0:05:29 > 0:05:34- ..after the fall of the Iron Curtain - and the 1989 Romanian Revolution.

0:05:39 > 0:05:44- It's a haunt for people - who believe in press freedom...

0:05:44 > 0:05:48- ..and who report - from areas of conflict.

0:05:48 > 0:05:53- It's also a place to remember - and honour fallen colleagues.

0:05:55 > 0:05:58- I have to say, - with these nine finalists...

0:05:59 > 0:06:02- Prominent British - photojournalists...

0:06:02 > 0:06:05- ..some who knew - Ian Parry personally...

0:06:05 > 0:06:09- ..award the prize in his memory.

0:06:10 > 0:06:13- Great story. - The pictures aren't very strong.

0:06:13 > 0:06:16- We're down to the last nine - of a major award.

0:06:17 > 0:06:20- We're looking for the kind - of future photographer...

0:06:21 > 0:06:24- ..that has the skill - to do good documentary work.

0:06:24 > 0:06:27- Somebody who has a special eye...

0:06:27 > 0:06:31- ..who can bring the drama - and the story in photographs.

0:06:31 > 0:06:36- That's an interesting picture. - It shows tension in the human body.

0:06:36 > 0:06:40- When you're a young man and you - haven't been published very much...

0:06:40 > 0:06:42- ..to see your name - under a publication...

0:06:43 > 0:06:47- ..is better than any amount of pay - that someone would give you.

0:06:47 > 0:06:52- It's a procedure of growing and - growing and building a reputation.

0:06:53 > 0:06:57- Sadly for Ian Parry, he was only - on the first rung of the ladder.

0:06:57 > 0:07:02- He would have been one of the top - photojournalists in the world.

0:07:02 > 0:07:06- Ian was a young rising star - in Fleet Street at the time.

0:07:06 > 0:07:09- I was older, more experienced.

0:07:10 > 0:07:12- We hadn't spent - a lot of time together...

0:07:12 > 0:07:15- ..until - the Romanian Revolution happened.

0:07:16 > 0:07:17- I'd heard of him...

0:07:17 > 0:07:21- ..and the fact - he was there for the Sunday Times...

0:07:21 > 0:07:25- ..showed the confidence that - they had in a photographer so young.

0:07:26 > 0:07:30- He was a wonderful guy, very - generous. He was a great talent.

0:07:30 > 0:07:33- He was proud - of the fact that at his young age...

0:07:33 > 0:07:37- ..he was already working - for a pre-eminent Sunday newspaper.

0:07:37 > 0:07:41- The Leader Offices, Mold

0:07:41 > 0:07:45- Ian Parry's career - began closer to home...

0:07:46 > 0:07:50- ..as an apprentice photographer - on The Leader in North Wales.

0:07:51 > 0:07:55- He learned his craft alongside - people who remember him as a friend.

0:07:57 > 0:08:00- Ian and I worked well together.

0:08:00 > 0:08:04- We were more than colleagues. - We were friends.

0:08:04 > 0:08:08- It was a huge story for The Leader. - Here we are.

0:08:10 > 0:08:14- This is the story of his death - on the front page.

0:08:16 > 0:08:20- People clamoured - to pay tribute to him...

0:08:21 > 0:08:23- ..people like Kate Adie...

0:08:24 > 0:08:28- ..who had worked with him - in another part of the world.

0:08:28 > 0:08:30- Everybody liked Ian.

0:08:30 > 0:08:34- He was a young man, - full of enthusiasm.

0:08:35 > 0:08:38- He was ambitious and talented.

0:08:39 > 0:08:43- To think that someone like that - lost his life so violently...

0:08:44 > 0:08:46- ..is horrific.

0:08:48 > 0:08:51- His work on The Leader - was always first class.

0:08:52 > 0:08:57- One photo stands out. - This little girl is Katy Green.

0:08:57 > 0:09:00- She suffered from a sun allergy.

0:09:01 > 0:09:06- Ian took a fantastic shot of her - on her first day in nursery school.

0:09:06 > 0:09:08- It was great for The Leader.

0:09:08 > 0:09:12- It made the front page - of The Daily Mirror.

0:09:12 > 0:09:16- That was just before - Ian left for London.

0:09:16 > 0:09:21- That was Ian's way of announcing - to Fleet Street he was on his way.

0:09:21 > 0:09:24- He came to see me - at The Sunday Times.

0:09:24 > 0:09:26- It's not always - about the photographs.

0:09:26 > 0:09:29- You get a sense of whether - somebody at that early age...

0:09:29 > 0:09:33- ..is going to be able - to come through all this and grow.

0:09:33 > 0:09:37- I really felt, all of us felt, - Ian was one of those people.

0:09:38 > 0:09:42- He was one of those young, - determined photographers...

0:09:42 > 0:09:47- ..who just knew he would dedicate - his life to photojournalism.

0:09:47 > 0:09:50- He didn't want to do anything else.

0:09:51 > 0:09:57- Henri Coanda Airport, Bucharest

0:10:00 > 0:10:03- AIR CONTROL

0:10:16 > 0:10:19- Bucharest airport - has changed its name.

0:10:19 > 0:10:23- But the building itself - hasn't changed at all.

0:10:24 > 0:10:26- It's very sad to think...

0:10:26 > 0:10:32- ..about all the people who - came here, fleeing for their lives.

0:10:32 > 0:10:35- Romania was - in the throes of a revolution.

0:10:36 > 0:10:41- The army and secret police shot - people on the streets of Bucharest.

0:10:41 > 0:10:46- They shot their own citizens, - their fellow Romanians.

0:10:47 > 0:10:51- Ian Parry was following the story.

0:10:51 > 0:10:57- As a photojournalist, he felt - it was his professional duty...

0:10:57 > 0:11:01- ..to show the world - what was happening in Bucharest.

0:11:01 > 0:11:06- He begged his editor on - The Sunday Times to let him go.

0:11:06 > 0:11:09- He decided - that's where the story was.

0:11:09 > 0:11:15- He wanted to show the world - what was happening.

0:11:16 > 0:11:18- Ian was very, very keen - to get over there.

0:11:19 > 0:11:22- A part of me said, - you're not quite ready for this.

0:11:22 > 0:11:25- But because we had - senior photographers going...

0:11:26 > 0:11:29- ..I felt, "Come on, - he really wants to do this.

0:11:29 > 0:11:34- "You went to Afghanistan. - Why would I not allow him to go?"

0:11:34 > 0:11:37- He was young, single - and this is what he wanted to do.

0:11:38 > 0:11:41- Quite frankly, - I couldn't stop him, anyway.

0:11:57 > 0:11:58- .

0:12:02 > 0:12:02- Subtitles

0:12:02 > 0:12:04- Subtitles- - Subtitles

0:12:07 > 0:12:10- In late 1989, - during the Romanian Revolution...

0:12:10 > 0:12:15- ..Ian Parry, a young Welsh - photographer, was killed.

0:12:20 > 0:12:23- It was described as an accident.

0:12:23 > 0:12:27- But there are doubts - if it was a deliberate decision...

0:12:27 > 0:12:33- ..to prevent the world from seeing - images of the revolution.

0:12:34 > 0:12:38- Journalist John Stevenson - is following the story...

0:12:38 > 0:12:42- ..to find the truth - about Romania's murky past.

0:12:59 > 0:13:03- Former Headquarters - of the Communist Party

0:13:03 > 0:13:07- The old Communist Party headquarters - is central to the story.

0:13:07 > 0:13:10- They are now government offices.

0:13:10 > 0:13:14- Nicolae Ceausescu delivered - his final speech on this balcony...

0:13:15 > 0:13:18- ..to reassure the people - and to hold on to power.

0:13:19 > 0:13:24- # CEAUSESCU'S FINAL SPEECH #

0:13:36 > 0:13:39- I've seen this balcony - hundreds of times.

0:13:39 > 0:13:42- The pictures are on YouTube.

0:13:42 > 0:13:45- I remember - watching the events unfold.

0:13:46 > 0:13:51- To think I'm standing - exactly where Ceausescu stood...

0:13:51 > 0:13:53- ..is unbelievable.

0:13:54 > 0:13:57- Four days after that appearance...

0:13:57 > 0:14:02- ..Nicolae Ceausescu - and his wife Elena were executed...

0:14:02 > 0:14:05- ..on the orders of the new regime.

0:14:05 > 0:14:09- The balcony is central - to Ian Parry's story.

0:14:10 > 0:14:14- There are very few photographs - of Ian in Bucharest.

0:14:14 > 0:14:16- He was a photographer.

0:14:16 > 0:14:20- He wasn't going to take - a picture of himself!

0:14:20 > 0:14:25- Most of the photos were destroyed - in the airplane crash.

0:14:25 > 0:14:30- But there is one crucial photo - that's linked to this balcony.

0:14:31 > 0:14:35- It was the headquarters - of the Communist Party.

0:14:35 > 0:14:40- We see Ian - and a number of protestors...

0:14:40 > 0:14:43- ..standing in the corner.

0:14:43 > 0:14:46- Imagine the chaos.

0:14:46 > 0:14:49- Young people had - stormed the building.

0:14:49 > 0:14:53- Ian was taking pictures, - which he loved doing.

0:14:54 > 0:14:57- Looking at this photograph...

0:14:58 > 0:15:03- ..my hand is exactly - where his foot was.

0:15:03 > 0:15:07- Thinking about that - is absolutely chilling.

0:15:09 > 0:15:13- Two days - after Ceausescu's execution...

0:15:13 > 0:15:16- ..Ian Parry was also dead.

0:15:22 > 0:15:28- Tom Stoddart, his friend and fellow - photographer, was also in Romania.

0:15:28 > 0:15:33- The whole world was looking at that - revolution. It was the place to be.

0:15:34 > 0:15:37- When I was working - and Ian was there...

0:15:37 > 0:15:39- ..it was very much - about working on the streets.

0:15:40 > 0:15:42- There was heavy fighting. - People were being shot.

0:15:43 > 0:15:46- The thing was to get - as many pictures as you could...

0:15:46 > 0:15:48- ..in a short space of time...

0:15:49 > 0:15:54- ..and to try and survive the sniping - which was going on all the time.

0:15:54 > 0:15:58- University Square, Bucharest

0:16:02 > 0:16:04- This is University Square.

0:16:05 > 0:16:09- This was the boiling cauldron - of the revolution...

0:16:09 > 0:16:15- ..the focal point of - the rebellion against Ceausescu.

0:16:16 > 0:16:20- You can see how busy it is. - It would have been chaotic then.

0:16:21 > 0:16:26- The only place where journalists - could get peace and quiet...

0:16:26 > 0:16:31- ..as well as safety, was the - Intercontinental Hotel behind me.

0:16:36 > 0:16:41- Like the majority of journalists - and photojournalists...

0:16:41 > 0:16:45- ..the Intercontinental Hotel - was Ian Parry's home in Bucharest.

0:16:46 > 0:16:48- This is where he spent - his last night.

0:16:49 > 0:16:52- He insisted on buying supper - for his friends...

0:16:52 > 0:16:55- ..before leaving in the morning.

0:17:01 > 0:17:04- Tom Stoddart - remembers the time clearly.

0:17:04 > 0:17:09- A major problem was to get - your pictures back to the office.

0:17:09 > 0:17:14- There was wire machines running 24 - hours a day transmitting pictures.

0:17:14 > 0:17:17- We couldn't get a line out. - We had no development facilities.

0:17:18 > 0:17:20- Ian came to me and he said...

0:17:20 > 0:17:24- "..I've heard there's - a plane leaving in the morning."

0:17:24 > 0:17:26- I said, - "Surely that's not possible."

0:17:27 > 0:17:31- Nothing was flying. The situation - was still fraught with danger.

0:17:31 > 0:17:34- I said to him, - he was young and inexperienced...

0:17:34 > 0:17:37- "..OK, don't tell anybody - about this.

0:17:37 > 0:17:41- "If it's true, we can get - an edge on our competition...

0:17:42 > 0:17:46- "..from the French agencies - and the American photographers.

0:17:46 > 0:17:48- "We can get our film out."

0:17:53 > 0:17:56- We agreed to meet at the hotel.

0:17:56 > 0:17:59- There were other - photographers there.

0:17:59 > 0:18:02- We made our packets up...

0:18:02 > 0:18:05- ..labelled the film - and drank whisky.

0:18:05 > 0:18:09- We went to bed and he was going off - very early in the morning...

0:18:10 > 0:18:14- ..to get on this flight that none - of us thought would take off.

0:18:14 > 0:18:17- Unfortunately, it did take off.

0:18:17 > 0:18:21- It sadly came down, carrying Ian, - as the only passenger...

0:18:22 > 0:18:24- ..and all the film with it.

0:18:29 > 0:18:33- Tarom Aero 2524 was flying - on a humanitarian mission...

0:18:34 > 0:18:40- ..to pick up blood from Belgrade - for the casualties of the fighting.

0:18:40 > 0:18:45- Ian Parry saw his chance to get - the photographs out of the country.

0:18:45 > 0:18:48- Twelve minutes after take off...

0:18:48 > 0:18:53- ..the crew of six Romanians and - the Welsh photographer were dead.

0:18:53 > 0:18:58- According to the authorities, - it was an accident...

0:18:58 > 0:19:00- ..caused by ice on the wings.

0:19:01 > 0:19:04- But even in the early days, - there were doubts.

0:19:05 > 0:19:08- Romania was known as Rumourmania.

0:19:08 > 0:19:11- All through that revolution...

0:19:12 > 0:19:15- ..we'd hear dozens of different - versions of any story.

0:19:16 > 0:19:18- There were rumours - flying about everything.

0:19:18 > 0:19:22- Eye-witnesses had seen - a ball of flame in the sky.

0:19:22 > 0:19:26- They saw clearly the plane - had been attacked in some way.

0:19:26 > 0:19:30- I heard a rumour that the secret - police had contaminated the fuel...

0:19:30 > 0:19:32- ..of grounded aircraft...

0:19:32 > 0:19:34- ..so that nothing could take off, - and if it did it would crash.

0:19:35 > 0:19:39- The official report was ridiculous. - It didn't seem to make any sense.

0:19:40 > 0:19:44- Everybody who saw the aircraft - thought it had been shot down.

0:19:45 > 0:19:47- That's what I always believed.

0:19:47 > 0:19:49- The official report, which - I was always really stunned by...

0:19:49 > 0:19:52- ..was that it had - crashed in bad weather.

0:19:52 > 0:19:55- It would seem to be - no further explanation than that.

0:19:55 > 0:19:57- It didn't seem to resonate at all.

0:19:59 > 0:20:03- Even though eyewitnesses insisted - the aeroplane was shot down...

0:20:03 > 0:20:08- ..Romanian authorities were - reluctant to investigate further.

0:20:09 > 0:20:14- Despite the suggestion in a 1993 - report that the plane was hit...

0:20:14 > 0:20:18- ..the event was forgotten, - until recently...

0:20:19 > 0:20:23- ..when a documentary - was broadcast on Romanian TV.

0:20:24 > 0:20:27- SPEAKS ROMANIAN

0:20:31 > 0:20:36- I was investigating another plane - crash when I first heard the story.

0:20:37 > 0:20:41- My attention - was drawn to this story...

0:20:41 > 0:20:44- ..because it happened - during the revolution.

0:20:48 > 0:20:51- It was an eye-opener for me.

0:20:51 > 0:20:56- It had happened during my lifetime - and I knew nothing about it.

0:20:57 > 0:21:00- My curiosity grew even more...

0:21:01 > 0:21:06- ..when my father told me I - shouldn't talk about these things.

0:21:07 > 0:21:10- I was determined - to find out the truth...

0:21:10 > 0:21:15- ..and why, after 25 years, we - are not supposed to talk about it.

0:21:15 > 0:21:18- That was the starting point.

0:21:21 > 0:21:26- The programme claimed the aeroplane - was shot down by a missile...

0:21:29 > 0:21:34- ..authorized by the regime - that toppled Ceausescu.

0:21:34 > 0:21:37- The leader was Ion Iliescu.

0:21:38 > 0:21:40- It was a deliberate act...

0:21:40 > 0:21:44- ..to prevent images - of the new regime's war crimes...

0:21:44 > 0:21:47- ..from appearing - in the world press.

0:21:48 > 0:21:52- These are the pictures - that Ian Parry had on him.

0:21:52 > 0:21:57- The programme also claimed that - official documents were changed...

0:21:58 > 0:22:00- ..to hide the truth.

0:22:03 > 0:22:08- There is an unexpected piece of - evidence in the Antena 3 offices.

0:22:08 > 0:22:12- It offers a vivid picture - of what happened in 1989...

0:22:13 > 0:22:16- ..and reveals - the authorities' response.

0:22:17 > 0:22:19- SPEAKS ROMANIAN

0:22:22 > 0:22:25- It might be hard to believe...

0:22:25 > 0:22:29- ..but this is a part - of the aeroplane itself...

0:22:29 > 0:22:32- ..from Vistina forest, 1989.

0:22:32 > 0:22:37- I came across this in the forest. - I didn't know what it was.

0:22:43 > 0:22:48- When I picked it up off the ground, - I saw something red and yellow.

0:22:49 > 0:22:54- I knew straightaway it was - the Romania banner during Communism.

0:22:54 > 0:22:56- I took it to experts.

0:22:56 > 0:23:00- I wanted to be sure - it was a piece of the aeroplane.

0:23:00 > 0:23:05- They confirmed that it was...

0:23:06 > 0:23:10- ..a fragment of the aeroplane - that came down in December 1989.

0:23:11 > 0:23:16- You found this fragment - at the scene of the crash.

0:23:17 > 0:23:20- What was it like being there?

0:23:20 > 0:23:24- How did it feel to find - a piece of the aeroplane?

0:23:29 > 0:23:32- It was a huge shock to me.

0:23:32 > 0:23:36- I never imagined I'd find a part - of the wreckage of the crash...

0:23:36 > 0:23:39- ..that happened 25 years ago.

0:23:39 > 0:23:41- I was very disappointed.

0:23:42 > 0:23:47- It was a sign of how - the authorities worked at the time.

0:23:49 > 0:23:54- Most eyewitnesses said that soldiers - arrived very soon after the crash.

0:23:55 > 0:23:57- They were more interested...

0:23:57 > 0:24:03- ..in gathering pieces of photos and - boxes carried by the travellers...

0:24:03 > 0:24:06- ..than the people themselves.

0:24:06 > 0:24:10- In the forest now, - there are two large holes...

0:24:10 > 0:24:13- ..and many items - left after the accident.

0:24:20 > 0:24:25- John Stevenson's journey has - taken him from Wales to London...

0:24:25 > 0:24:27- ..and then Bucharest.

0:24:27 > 0:24:30- Parts of the story - are coming together.

0:24:30 > 0:24:34- The next step of the journey - takes him out of the capital...

0:24:35 > 0:24:38- ..and face to face with the past.

0:24:38 > 0:24:38- .

0:24:43 > 0:24:43- Subtitles

0:24:43 > 0:24:45- Subtitles- - Subtitles

0:24:47 > 0:24:49- Trying to find the truth...

0:24:49 > 0:24:53- ..about Ian Parry's death - in the 1989 Romanian Revolution...

0:24:54 > 0:24:58- ..has taken journalist - John Stevenson to places...

0:24:58 > 0:25:02- ..that were significant - in the photographer's life.

0:25:02 > 0:25:05- He also heard blunt claims - that it was a plot...

0:25:06 > 0:25:08- ..by the authorities at that time.

0:25:09 > 0:25:10- EXPLOSION

0:25:13 > 0:25:15- The next step of the journey...

0:25:16 > 0:25:20- ..brings him face to face - with the truth about what happened.

0:25:32 > 0:25:36- Before going to the site of - the disaster where Ian Parry died...

0:25:37 > 0:25:40- ..John Stevenson wants - to visit Ghencea Cemetery.

0:25:40 > 0:25:45- Many of the 1,000 people killed in - Bucharest alone are buried here...

0:25:46 > 0:25:50- ..including a leading - historical figure.

0:25:50 > 0:25:54- It was a shock to see - the Orthodox cemetery.

0:25:54 > 0:25:59- Orthodoxy is the religion - of most Romanians.

0:25:59 > 0:26:05- It's ironic, because Ceausescu was a - communist and therefore an atheist.

0:26:05 > 0:26:09- The last place - I expected him to be buried...

0:26:09 > 0:26:12- ..was in an Orthodox cemetery.

0:26:12 > 0:26:16- The family paid - for the grandiose tomb.

0:26:17 > 0:26:19- Romanians still come here.

0:26:20 > 0:26:23- These are fresh flowers.

0:26:26 > 0:26:30- There is still - respect for Ceausescu.

0:26:31 > 0:26:36- The flowers have been placed - by Luminita and Mihai Arvunescu.

0:26:39 > 0:26:43- But the other ribbon - greatly surprised me.

0:26:45 > 0:26:47- Sincere regrete.

0:26:47 > 0:26:49- Sincerest regrets.

0:26:49 > 0:26:51- Regrets about what?

0:26:52 > 0:26:54- Regrets that he died?

0:26:55 > 0:26:57- Regrets at the way he died?

0:26:57 > 0:26:59- Regrets about what he did?

0:26:59 > 0:27:02- That raises all kinds of questions.

0:27:03 > 0:27:05- It's all surprising.

0:27:05 > 0:27:10- The cemetery is totally different - from anything in Wales.

0:27:12 > 0:27:16- Ceausescu's grave - is the last thing I expected.

0:27:18 > 0:27:20- It's a shock...

0:27:21 > 0:27:26- ..to see so much grandeur - for a man who was toppled...

0:27:28 > 0:27:31- ..in a very bloody uprising.

0:27:43 > 0:27:49- We're on our way to the site of - the accident, if it was an accident.

0:27:50 > 0:27:55- It's a strange experience, - being close to the forest.

0:27:56 > 0:27:58- My hope is to find something...

0:27:59 > 0:28:01- ..or speak to someone...

0:28:02 > 0:28:07- ..who can throw some light - on what happened that day...

0:28:07 > 0:28:10- ..and throw light - on what happened afterwards...

0:28:11 > 0:28:15- ..in the investigation - into the accident.

0:28:15 > 0:28:20- I hear myself saying - "accident" all the time.

0:28:21 > 0:28:26- There is great uncertainty - about whether it was an accident.

0:28:27 > 0:28:32- My instinct tells me - there is much more to the story...

0:28:32 > 0:28:35- ..than what has so far - come to light...

0:28:35 > 0:28:38- ..and what was acknowledged - by the authorities.

0:28:40 > 0:28:45- Near Malinoasa Forest, - John is called to Vistina.

0:28:45 > 0:28:50- Several eyewitnesses - want to describe what they saw.

0:28:50 > 0:28:51- SPEAKS ROMANIAN

0:28:54 > 0:28:55- Buna ziua.

0:28:58 > 0:29:00- Here's Mr John and his crew.

0:29:02 > 0:29:04- I lived in a house in the forest.

0:29:05 > 0:29:10- I had a great shock when the windows - were smashed by a loud noise.

0:29:11 > 0:29:15- The plane was passing above - a few cottages when it came down.

0:29:15 > 0:29:20- It was in two parts, with a huge - flame coming out of the tail.

0:29:23 > 0:29:26- In 15 minutes, helicopters arrived.

0:29:26 > 0:29:31- Soon after, policemen and soldiers - came and shut down the whole area.

0:29:31 > 0:29:36- I was familiar with the forest. - I stayed to see what was going on.

0:29:36 > 0:29:40- I have a clear memory - of body parts everywhere...

0:29:41 > 0:29:43- ..and trees cut in half.

0:29:43 > 0:29:47- Was it an accident - or was the plane shot down?

0:29:47 > 0:29:48- SPEAKS ROMANIAN

0:29:57 > 0:30:02- No, he didn't believe - that it was an accident...

0:30:02 > 0:30:04- ..or bad weather.

0:30:04 > 0:30:06- He saw the big flame.

0:30:07 > 0:30:08- He was still sure...

0:30:09 > 0:30:12- ..that it was crashed by something.

0:30:14 > 0:30:19- Vistina is the closest community - to the site of the disaster.

0:30:19 > 0:30:23- It is still very vivid - in the villagers' memories.

0:30:23 > 0:30:27- They have a definite opinion - about the event.

0:30:28 > 0:30:32- I heard a loud noise as the plane - flew low over the house...

0:30:33 > 0:30:35- ..only about 20 metres above it.

0:30:36 > 0:30:38- Black smoke came out of the tail.

0:30:39 > 0:30:41- The plane passed the church...

0:30:42 > 0:30:45- ..then there was a loud - explosion in the forest.

0:30:45 > 0:30:50- Black smoke came out of the plane - and a big flame out of the tail.

0:30:53 > 0:30:56- I'm sure the pilot - saw people on the ground...

0:30:56 > 0:31:01- ..and made a great effort to aim for - the forest, away from our houses.

0:31:05 > 0:31:09- It's evident to me this was - no accident. It was deliberate.

0:31:10 > 0:31:12- This isn't right.

0:31:12 > 0:31:14- I want to know the truth.

0:31:28 > 0:31:29- SIGHS

0:31:29 > 0:31:33- I'm on the site. - It's a very marshy spot.

0:31:33 > 0:31:36- There are insects everywhere.

0:31:36 > 0:31:39- I don't know what kind - of experience this will be.

0:31:40 > 0:31:42- I'm here. I might as well start.

0:32:24 > 0:32:26- We've seen one hole.

0:32:27 > 0:32:30- This hole is much larger.

0:32:31 > 0:32:33- Because it is larger...

0:32:34 > 0:32:38- ..who knows what there is - to be discovered here?

0:33:00 > 0:33:04- The authorities say - they've held an inquiry.

0:33:04 > 0:33:07- I found these - after only a few minutes.

0:33:07 > 0:33:13- It raises a big question about - the thoroughness of the inquiry.

0:33:23 > 0:33:26- I'm no expert in these matters.

0:33:26 > 0:33:28- I'd say this is part of a seat.

0:33:41 > 0:33:45- Deeper in the forest, - John finds a clear sign...

0:33:45 > 0:33:50- ..commemorating what - happened 25 years ago.

0:34:20 > 0:34:23- I've travelled hundreds - of miles to come here.

0:34:23 > 0:34:26- I hadn't expected the place to be...

0:34:27 > 0:34:29- ..so remote and wild.

0:34:31 > 0:34:35- Six Romanians were - killed in the accident...

0:34:37 > 0:34:40- ..and a Welshman, Ian Parry, - a lad from Prestatyn...

0:34:41 > 0:34:44- ..a young man - at the start of his career.

0:34:46 > 0:34:48- The journey began in Prestatyn.

0:34:49 > 0:34:53- It ended in - the Romanian countryside.

0:34:59 > 0:35:01- How different this is...

0:35:02 > 0:35:06- ..compared to what - we saw in the cemetery...

0:35:07 > 0:35:10- ..the grandiose Ceausescu grave.

0:35:14 > 0:35:16- There's a rough-hewn cross here.

0:35:18 > 0:35:24- It's ironic to see how Ceausescu - is remembered and respected...

0:35:26 > 0:35:31- ..and how Ian Parry is remembered, - in the middle of a forest.

0:35:31 > 0:35:35- Apart from his family - and those close to him...

0:35:35 > 0:35:41- ..the eyewitnesses and people - who knew about the story...

0:35:41 > 0:35:45- ..to all purposes, - Ian Parry has been forgotten.

0:35:46 > 0:35:46- .

0:36:22 > 0:36:22- Subtitles

0:36:22 > 0:36:24- Subtitles- - Subtitles

0:36:26 > 0:36:28- SIRENS

0:36:46 > 0:36:50- The Romanian Revolution saw the - bloody end of the communist regime.

0:36:51 > 0:36:55- It still weighs heavily - on the country and people.

0:36:55 > 0:36:58- A story about a plane disaster...

0:36:58 > 0:37:04- ..where six Romanians and Welshman - Ian Parry died, won't go away.

0:37:05 > 0:37:09- Reporter John Stevenson heard - evidence and saw for himself...

0:37:10 > 0:37:14- ..the circumstances surrounding - the photographer's death.

0:37:15 > 0:37:18- They cast suspicion - that it was all a plot...

0:37:18 > 0:37:23- ..and that the plane was shot down - by the authorities deliberately.

0:37:28 > 0:37:31- In the last part of his journey...

0:37:31 > 0:37:36- ..John comes closer to answering the - question of who killed Ian Parry.

0:37:42 > 0:37:46- The reporter on a documentary - broadcast in Romania...

0:37:46 > 0:37:50- ..throws more light - on the authorities' attitude...

0:37:50 > 0:37:53- ..yesterday and today.

0:37:53 > 0:37:54- SPEAKS ROMANIAN

0:37:57 > 0:38:01- We asked the authorities - many questions.

0:38:01 > 0:38:04- They said they knew - nothing about the accident.

0:38:04 > 0:38:06- No papers existed.

0:38:06 > 0:38:11- The only document they gave me - was the official report...

0:38:11 > 0:38:15- ..stating that the plane - had come down in bad weather.

0:38:20 > 0:38:24- The most important document - we received had been stolen...

0:38:24 > 0:38:28- ..from the Government office - by a crew member's relative.

0:38:28 > 0:38:33- It states clearly that the plane - was brought down by a missile.

0:38:33 > 0:38:35- Something hit the plane.

0:38:35 > 0:38:37- ..an act by an exterior force...

0:38:38 > 0:38:41- ..possibly a strike from outside...

0:38:41 > 0:38:46- It was clear to me that - the authorities knew everything.

0:38:47 > 0:38:50- But to this day, they don't want - the truth to come out.

0:38:57 > 0:39:00- The next piece of the jigsaw - came from a person...

0:39:00 > 0:39:04- ..who was at the heart - of events in 1989.

0:39:04 > 0:39:07- SPEAKS ROMANIAN

0:39:07 > 0:39:13- Our intention wasn't to kill him, - but to bring Ceausescu to trial.

0:39:13 > 0:39:16- Many people had been - killed on the streets.

0:39:20 > 0:39:25- Dan Voinea was Chief Military - Prosecutor in Ceausescu's trial.

0:39:25 > 0:39:28- The way that historic - trial was held...

0:39:29 > 0:39:34- ..reveals a lot about - what happened later to Ian Parry.

0:39:37 > 0:39:40- I didn't feel - I had enough evidence...

0:39:40 > 0:39:43- ..to bring a strong case - against Ceausescu.

0:39:43 > 0:39:45- I told the Judge that.

0:39:45 > 0:39:47- He replied, "Don't worry.

0:39:47 > 0:39:51- "This is only the start - of a long and important trial."

0:39:53 > 0:39:57- But the new regime's Defence - Minister, Stanculescu...

0:39:58 > 0:40:02- ..said that we would only - have an hour for the trial.

0:40:02 > 0:40:04- We had to come to a decision.

0:40:07 > 0:40:10- The striking thing - about what you say...

0:40:10 > 0:40:16- ..is about the political motives - that led to the Ceausescu trial.

0:40:16 > 0:40:19- I suppose it was a small step...

0:40:19 > 0:40:23- ..from political intervention - to usurp the president...

0:40:24 > 0:40:26- ..to political intervention...

0:40:27 > 0:40:32- ..and deciding to fire - a missile to bring a plane down.

0:40:34 > 0:40:36- It was exactly the same.

0:40:36 > 0:40:38- The same people made the decision.

0:40:38 > 0:40:40- Let me be clear.

0:40:40 > 0:40:45- You're telling me that the people - who decided for political reasons...

0:40:45 > 0:40:47- ..to kill Ceausescu...

0:40:47 > 0:40:52- ..Ion Iliescu - and General Stanculescu...

0:40:52 > 0:40:57- ..were exactly the same people - who gave the order...

0:40:57 > 0:40:59- ..to fire at the plane.

0:41:00 > 0:41:02- Yes, they were the same.

0:41:02 > 0:41:05- They wanted to conceal the truth...

0:41:05 > 0:41:08- ..about what happened - during the Revolution.

0:41:08 > 0:41:13- Ion Iliescu came to power - after the fall of Nicolae Ceausescu.

0:41:13 > 0:41:17- He was president of Romania - for eight years in the 1990s.

0:41:17 > 0:41:21- If he was involved in any way - in the murder of Ian Parry...

0:41:22 > 0:41:24- ..what was he so keen to hide?

0:41:28 > 0:41:30- Ian Parry was a friendly person.

0:41:30 > 0:41:34- Romanian photographers - gave him pictures.

0:41:34 > 0:41:37- The Romanian media - were not free at the time.

0:41:38 > 0:41:40- They were not trusted.

0:41:47 > 0:41:51- As well as photographs, - Ian Parry received documents.

0:41:52 > 0:41:56- That's the reason why he was - a target for the authorities.

0:41:58 > 0:42:04- I have evidence that the plane - was shot down near Vistina Forest.

0:42:10 > 0:42:16- Dan Voinea collected information - at the time of the original inquiry.

0:42:16 > 0:42:20- It included statements - by Romanian photographers.

0:42:21 > 0:42:24- They took photos - at the start of the uprising...

0:42:24 > 0:42:27- ..showing who was responsible.

0:42:28 > 0:42:32- The photos could have harmed - the new regime led by Ion Iliescu.

0:42:35 > 0:42:39- The photos came - into Ian Parry's possession.

0:42:39 > 0:42:42- It was hoped they would - be seen outside Romania.

0:42:42 > 0:42:47- Throughout the story, - one name crops up constantly.

0:42:51 > 0:42:53- I have seen a lot of documents.

0:42:53 > 0:42:57- Ion Iliescu's name never appears.

0:42:57 > 0:43:00- But everyone I've spoken to - says the same thing.

0:43:00 > 0:43:04- Only one man could - authorize this action.

0:43:17 > 0:43:22- 25 years have passed since the - revolution and Ian Parry's death.

0:43:22 > 0:43:26- Although problems remain, - Romania has changed.

0:43:26 > 0:43:31- There is an elected government. - The country is an EU member.

0:43:33 > 0:43:38- But one fundamental question - about Ian Parry's death remains...

0:43:38 > 0:43:41- ..which John is anxious to ask.

0:43:41 > 0:43:46- Twenty five years have passed. - We're discussing mature men.

0:43:46 > 0:43:50- Is it too late to do anything - to bring to account...

0:43:51 > 0:43:55- ..the people responsible - for murdering Ian Parry?

0:43:55 > 0:43:57- No, no.

0:43:57 > 0:44:00- It is never too late for the truth.

0:44:01 > 0:44:04- The big problem - with the Romanian legal system...

0:44:04 > 0:44:08- ..is that there is no justice - for ordinary people.

0:44:08 > 0:44:15- The government has done nothing - for Romanians, let alone Ian Parry.

0:44:25 > 0:44:29- There are grave doubts in Romania - about the regime's credibility...

0:44:30 > 0:44:34- ..and their ability to face - the truth about the past.

0:44:34 > 0:44:39- Voices from outside the country - raise similar doubts.

0:44:39 > 0:44:42- If it is proved - the plane was shot down...

0:44:42 > 0:44:46- ..then government officials - have a human and moral right...

0:44:46 > 0:44:49- ..to investigate thoroughly.

0:44:49 > 0:44:52- There hasn't been - a thorough investigation.

0:44:52 > 0:44:55- A lot has been - swept under the carpet.

0:44:55 > 0:45:00- Hopefully they'll take - their responsibilities seriously...

0:45:00 > 0:45:02- ..and they'll look into it.

0:45:03 > 0:45:08- From what I see, it points - very clearly to a deliberate act...

0:45:08 > 0:45:11- ..to shoot down the plane.

0:45:11 > 0:45:15- If that's what happened, - it means it was murder.

0:45:16 > 0:45:21- Therefore, the people responsible - should be prosecuted.

0:45:21 > 0:45:24- If guilty, they should be punished.

0:45:24 > 0:45:26- The least we can do...

0:45:26 > 0:45:29- ..is to ensure justice - for Ian Parry.

0:45:37 > 0:45:42- As a reporter, I try not to be - emotional when reporting a story.

0:45:47 > 0:45:52- I have only spoken to the families - of the Romanians who were killed.

0:45:56 > 0:46:00- As one of the generation - responsible for the revolution...

0:46:00 > 0:46:03- ..what I'd like to say - to Ian Parry's family...

0:46:07 > 0:46:09- ..I'm truly sorry.

0:46:32 > 0:46:34- This is Ian Parry's grave.

0:46:35 > 0:46:37- There is no headstone.

0:46:37 > 0:46:41- The reason for that, - and for the simple cross...

0:46:41 > 0:46:43- ..is that the stone was moved.

0:46:43 > 0:46:47- The irony is that - Ian's mother, Gwladys Parry...

0:46:47 > 0:46:48- ..died in 2014...

0:46:49 > 0:46:54- ..twenty five years after - Ian's death in Romania.

0:46:55 > 0:46:59- For me, the journey ends - in Prestatyn's graveyard...

0:46:59 > 0:47:01- ..by Ian's grave.

0:47:02 > 0:47:04- The journey to find the truth...

0:47:05 > 0:47:11- ..and discover what happened - to bring about Ian Parry's death...

0:47:12 > 0:47:14- ..will continue.

0:48:08 > 0:48:10- S4C Subtitles by Gwead

0:48:10 > 0:48:10- .