Approximately 2,000 people gathered Sunday evening in front of the Central Arrest in Bucharest to demand the release of former presidential candidate Călin Georgescu, Mediafax reported. This figure marks a significant increase from the first days of the protests, when roughly 300 people were present. Georgescu is currently serving a 30-day preventive arrest ordered by the Bucharest Court of Appeal.
DIICOT investigates 1.1 million euro fraud scheme
Prosecutors from the Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) are investigating Călin Georgescu and businessman Ionel Rusen for the formation of an organized criminal group and fraud with particularly grave consequences. According to Digi24, the investigation centers on a scheme that allegedly began in 2021.
DIICOT claims the suspects convinced a businessman he could obtain 6 million euros in financing from a foreign bank if he provided a guarantee. The victim reportedly transferred over 1 million euros, followed by another 100,000 euros after being promised the financing could increase to 15 million euros. The loan was never granted, and the guarantee funds were not returned, resulting in a prejudice exceeding 1.1 million euros, Digi24 reports.
Did you know? DIICOT has instituted a precautionary seizure on a property in Mogoșoaia belonging to Călin Georgescu as part of the fraud investigation, according to Digi24.
Investigators trace 1.1 million euros via digital forensics
The case has entered a new phase with the start of computer forensics on seized devices. Digi24 reports that investigators are working to reconstruct the flow of the 1.1 million euros and determine the specific role of each person involved in the alleged scheme.
Ionel Rusen was removed from arrest on Friday morning to participate in these digital forensics procedures at the DIICOT headquarters. Digi24 reports that Călin Georgescu is expected to be brought from the Central Arrest to DIICOT in the coming days for similar procedures on his electronic devices.
Protests spread to Baia Mare, Suceava, and Ploiești
While gatherings are in Bucharest, protests have occurred in Baia Mare, Suceava, and Ploiești. George Simion, leader of the AUR party, has urged supporters in Romania and abroad to mobilize, according to Mediafax and TVRInfo.ro.
In Bucharest, protesters have used slogans such as “Călin Georgescu is president” and “Volunteer for democracy.” HotNews.ro reported that some manifestants recited the “Our Father” prayer and played recordings of Georgescu’s speeches on unity.
The presence of protesters has caused friction with local residents. TVRInfo.ro reports that people living in nearby apartment blocks and students at a neighboring college have complained about the constant noise from chanting and whistling. The area is under constant surveillance by police and gendarmerie.
Gendarmerie issue 50 fines to manifestants
Law enforcement has taken measures to maintain safety and keep access roads open in the residential area surrounding the Central Arrest. Ramona Dabija, Public Relations Director for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, told TVRInfo.ro that gendarmerie have applied 50 contravention sanctions totaling over 52,000 lei.
In addition to the fines, two individuals now face criminal files for the unauthorized possession or use of dangerous objects and for insulting a public official, according to TVRInfo.ro.
Legal Perspective: Mircea Sinescu, a lawyer for Călin Georgescu, described the Court of Appeal’s decision to order preventive arrest as “hallucinating,” HotNews.ro reported.
Political reactions to the arrest
The AUR party stated it remains beside Georgescu, emphasizing that the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial must be respected. The party added that the legal actions should not be viewed as a means to intimidate AUR or influence government votes, HotNews.ro reports.
Former PNL leader Crin Antonescu stated on the “Marius Tucă Show” that while he does not support Georgescu’s political ideas, the authorities should prove the criminal allegations publicly rather than removing him from the political field by force, Adevărul reported.
Common Questions About the Georgescu Case
What are the specific charges against Călin Georgescu?
He is accused by DIICOT of forming an organized criminal group and committing fraud with particularly grave consequences in a continued form, as reported by Digi24 and Mediafax.
How long is the preventive arrest period?
The Bucharest Court of Appeal ordered a preventive arrest for a period of 30 days, according to HotNews.ro and Digi24.
Where will the next major protest take place?
George Simion has announced a rally in front of the European Parliament in Brussels scheduled for October 14, according to Mediafax and TVRInfo.ro.
AUR has scheduled a rally in front of the European Parliament in Brussels for October 14.