Doctor Uță, the dean of prisoners at Aiud

Another case that can rightly be described as sensational was that of Dr. Uță, the dean of prisoners with the most years of imprisonment. He too had categorically refused re-education, and Colonel Crăciun had a particular hatred for him, considering him, together with Prince Alexandru Ghica, one of the leaders of the legionary resistance in Zarca. Doctor Uță also suffered from a series of illnesses, which had accumulated over more than 20 years in prison.

One day, after what must have been a long period of isolation, he collapsed on his bed, fainted and fell into a kind of coma. What’s more, his breathing had almost completely stopped, so much so that he looked dead. The comrades in the cell made an infernal noise, demanding that the platoon officer on duty get him out of there, because he was dead! Frightened, he called for two guards with a stretcher, who took Dr Uță away.

As he had opened his eyes and started to breathe, the men carrying him decided it was best to call Colonel Crăciun to ask him what to do. Crăciun came quickly and, seeing that Uță was now conscious, told him:

– Well, Doctor, look where your stubbornness has got you. Sign the declaration of dissociation from the Legionary Movement, you can see where it has got you, and I’ll order you to be treated by Dr. Aurel Marin, who you know is very good.

Uță looked Crăciun in the eye and told him just that:

– You are too good, Colonel, but my place is with my other comrades… in the Zarca. Besides, I feel I’m cured. Take me back there.

– Take him back to the pit, shouted Crăciun, to die there like a mad dog he is!

And the order was obeyed. But Dr. Uță didn’t die there either, as Colonel Crăciun would have wished.

(Puiu Năstase – Temerarii, edited by Gheorghe Andreica, Metafora Publishing House, Constanța, 2004, pp. 392-393)