Romanian Prosecutors Target Pro-Russian Presidential Candidate Over Violence Charges

Romanian Prosecutors Indict Pro-Russian Former Presidential Candidate BUCHAREST, Romania - Romanian prosecutors have indicted Calin Georgescu, a former presidential candidate with strong ties to Russia, on charges of attempting to instigate violence following the cancellation of the country's presidential elections in December. According to court documents, Georgescu, 63, and Horatiu Potra, a mercenary who had previously worked as a military contractor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), allegedly met at an equestrian centre to discuss a plan to attack the capital Bucharest. The meeting was reportedly organized by Georgescu, who had initially topped the first round of presidential elections before they were cancelled due to allegations of Russian meddling. The indictment alleges that Potra then led a team of 20 people, organized in a paramilitary group, with weapons and explosives towards the capital, but was stopped in traffic by police. The incident occurred on December 15, just days after the election cancellation. Georgescu has denied any wrongdoing, stating "I am innocent and I will prove it." His lawyer, Ionut Pascu, added that his client is being targeted for his political views, saying "This is a clear case of persecution." The Romanian government had accused Russia of meddling in the electoral process, which led to the cancellation of the elections. Moscow has denied the allegations. The indictment marks a significant development in Romania's efforts to address concerns over Russian influence in its politics. The country has been a key NATO ally and has sought to strengthen ties with Western nations in recent years. Georgescu's indictment is also seen as a blow to his political ambitions, as he has been banned from running for office again due to previous controversies surrounding his campaign. The trial is expected to begin soon, but the exact date has not been announced. Georgescu's lawyer has vowed to defend his client vigorously, saying "We will prove that this is a baseless accusation." In response to the indictment, a spokesperson for the Russian Embassy in Bucharest said, "We are aware of the situation and are monitoring it closely. We have no further comment at this time." *Reporting by Aljazeera.*