Călin Georgescu, a former Romanian presidential candidate with pro-Russian affiliations, has been placed under judicial supervision for 60 days following a five-hour hearing at the General Prosecutor’s Office in Bucharest on 26 February 2025.
The politician is under investigation for multiple offences, including instigation to actions against constitutional order, dissemination of false information, false statements, and promoting individuals convicted of genocide.
Judicial Supervision and Restrictions
As part of the judicial supervision measures, Georgescu is prohibited from leaving Romania and is banned from creating new social media accounts or possessing weapons. Additionally, he is not allowed to communicate with other individuals implicated in the case.
The case involves a magistrate accused of facilitating Georgescu’s activities. The General Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that jurisdiction over the matter falls under the High Court of Cassation and Justice, which is handling the investigation.
Allegations Against Georgescu
Prosecutors have charged Georgescu with the following offences:
- Instigation to actions against constitutional order
- Dissemination of false information
- False statements concerning campaign financing and asset declarations
- Founding or supporting a fascist, racist, or xenophobic organisation
- Publicly promoting individuals convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity, or war crimes
- Founding or supporting an antisemitic organisation
The case is reportedly linked to wider investigations into extremist activities and illegal campaign financing.
Public Reaction and Political Implications
A large crowd of Georgescu’s supporters, including members of the nationalist parties AUR and POT, gathered outside the General Prosecutor’s Office in protest. Some demonstrators later moved towards Piața Unirii, temporarily blocking traffic before being dispersed by the gendarmerie. Authorities have refuted online rumours suggesting that football fan groups were planning to join the protests.
AUR leader George Simion attended the protest and publicly questioned the legitimacy of the investigation, describing it as a form of “political policing.” He asserted that no concrete evidence had been presented to justify the accusations against Georgescu.
Judiciary and Government Response
Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu refrained from commenting on the ongoing legal proceedings but stressed that authorities must provide clear evidence in cases involving political figures, particularly in the context of Romania’s upcoming elections.
Remus Pricopie, rector of the National School of Political and Administrative Studies, stated that the investigation demonstrated the proper functioning of the Romanian state, arguing that had Georgescu’s candidacy not been invalidated in November 2024, Romania risked electing a leader “associated with KGB-style criminal networks.”
Searches and Further Investigations
On the same day, law enforcement conducted 47 searches targeting individuals connected to Georgescu, including Horațiu Potra, a figure reportedly linked to paramilitary activities. Prosecutors seized weapons, large sums of cash, and other materials during these raids.
Additionally, Georgescu’s bodyguard, Marin Burcea, was brought in for questioning. His partner, allegedly connected to high-level Russian power circles, was also under investigation.
International Attention
The case has attracted international scrutiny, with billionaire Elon Musk posting a statement on X (formerly Twitter), incorrectly claiming that Georgescu had been arrested and that he had won the most votes in Romania’s presidential election.
Georgescu, who was intercepted by police while travelling, later addressed his supporters on social media, denouncing the investigation as a politically motivated attack designed to prevent his presidential run. He called for a large-scale protest in Piața Victoriei on Saturday.
Authorities continue to investigate the case, with judicial proceedings expected to unfold in the coming weeks.
