Summary
Romanian prosecutors have accused former presidential candidate Calin Georgescu of planning violence with a mercenary, Horatiu Potra, after the country's presidential elections were initially canceled due to claims of Russian interference. Potra allegedly tried to lead a group armed with weapons towards the capital, but police stopped them. Georgescu has denied the charges, and the case will proceed to court.
Key Facts
- Prosecutors in Romania have charged Calin Georgescu with planning violence after the cancelled presidential elections.
- Georgescu, a former presidential candidate, is accused alongside mercenary Horatiu Potra.
- Potra allegedly formed a group with weapons, planning an attack on Bucharest.
- Police stopped the group after receiving a tip-off via an emergency call.
- Russia was accused of meddling in Romania's elections, but Moscow denies this.
- Potra is seeking asylum in Russia and has been indicted in absentia.
- The rerun of elections in May saw Nicusor Dan win, with implications for Romania's role in NATO.
- Romanian prosecutors noted a year-long pattern of "hybrid attacks" to disrupt state functions.
