Călin Georgescu faces trial for attempted coup

Former presidential candidate Călin Georgescu appeared before the Bucharest Court of Appeal for a trial involving charges of complicity in an attempt to overthrow the constitutional order. Georgescu is being tried alongside former mercenary Horațiu Potra and 20 other defendants. Prosecutors allege that their actions in December 2024, following the annulment of the presidential election second round, posed a threat to national security and the legal exercise of state power.

During the proceedings, dozens of supporters gathered at the court, chanting slogans such as “Călin, nevinovat!” (Călin, innocent!). Upon exiting the court, Georgescu criticized the press, referring to journalists as “cotârle” (scoundrels/dogs) and claiming that their presence was an insult to objective journalism. He also criticized the validation of the new Mureșan government, labeling it “anti-Romanian.”

The legal process follows several other criminal investigations involving Georgescu, including allegations of organized crime, fraud involving 1.1 million euros, and Holocaust denial. The current trial was delayed after only 30 minutes of the session.