Far-right ex-presidential contender in Romania accused of conspiring to stage a coup
In a shocking turn of events, Romanian authorities have charged Calin Georgescu, a former presidential candidate, with orchestrating a violent coup. The announcement was made at a press conference by Romanian Prosecutor General Alex Florenta on Tuesday.
According to Florenta, the Constitutional Court's decision to nullify the first round of November's presidential election on Dec. 6, due to an alleged Russian influence operation, instigated the coup plot. However, it's important to note that there are no verified reports or credible sources linking any specific Russian officials or entities directly to a planned coup in Romania in 2024; allegations about such a plot lack substantiated evidence.
Georgescu was identified by Romanian media as one of the masterminds of the coup, along with Horatiu Potra, the leader of a paramilitary group. The actions of this armed group, as described by prosecutors, were intended to endanger national security and the 'constitutional order.'
The charges against Georgescu stem from a dramatic police operation in December 2024, during which officers intercepted 21 people, some armed with knives and guns, heading to Bucharest. All 21 participants in the alleged coup attempt are members of Potra's paramilitary group and will face trial.
Potra's current whereabouts are unknown, but Romanian authorities believe he is seeking asylum in Russia. The court decisions have caused political chaos in Romania, leading to protests across the country.
Georgescu was disqualified from running in the do-over May election following the annulment of the initial results. The coup plot, as described by prosecutors, involved plans to instigate clashes and carry out 'violent actions of a subversive nature.'
On Dec. 7, according to prosecutors, Georgescu and Potra met to plot the coup. The events unfolding in Romania serve as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by democratic nations in maintaining stability and security.
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