Pro-Russian Candidate Indicted for Disrupting Romanian Security

Calin Georgescu, a pro-Russian far-right figure in Romania, faces trial for allegedly attempting to disrupt national security after a canceled election. Accused of conspiring with Horatiu Potra to stage protests, Georgescu was banned from rerunning and placed under investigation amidst ongoing cyber attacks linked to Russian influences.

Romanian prosecutors have indicted Calin Georgescu, a prominent pro-Russian figure and far-right frontrunner in last year's canceled presidential election, on charges of attempting to disrupt national security. The EU and NATO member state halted the election amid suspicions of Russian interference favoring Georgescu, who is a vocal critic of NATO and Western support for Ukraine. Moscow has denied these allegations.

According to prosecutors, after the election's cancellation, Georgescu was found conspiring with Horatiu Potra, a former French Foreign Legion soldier, to incite violent protests. The timeline for the trial remains uncertain.

Georgescu and 21 others, including Potra, have been indicted. Investigations revealed hybrid attacks targeting Romania, aiming to influence voters and weaken institutions via cyber attacks, public events, and disinformation. Over 40 online groups promoted Georgescu, while similar attacks were reported in the Czech Republic and Poland.

(With inputs from agencies.)