Romanian Authorities Indict Former Presidential Candidate Georgescu in Coup Attempt Following Disinformation Campaign
Bucharest, Romania - Romanian prosecutors have filed additional charges against former presidential candidate Ștefan Georgescu, alleging involvement in a coup attempt linked to a Russian-backed disinformation campaign aimed at destabilizing the country’s recent elections. The indictment comes as Georgescu is reportedly being sought in absentia, with Romanian media suggesting he has requested asylum in Russia.
The charges stem from investigations into widespread unrest following last year’s presidential elections, which were marred by allegations of manipulation and disinformation. Attorney General Florenta has publicly identified Russia as a key driver of the campaign, alleging the use of artificial intelligence and internet bots to amplify divisive narratives and incite unrest.
Prosecutors claim Russian-linked entities targeted displaced groups within Romanian society – including extremists and conspiracy theorists – creating online “echo chambers” where unfounded statements were widely disseminated. They have identified several companies with Russian ties that allegedly fueled dissatisfaction, and noted similarities between the tactics employed and known Russian disinformation practices. Specifically, florenta cited the use of the hashtag #pevolution on social media, attempting to exploit nostalgia for the 1989 revolution that ended the communist regime.
eighteen othre suspects are currently facing legal proceedings related to the case, with two additional individuals detained alongside Georgescu. Georgescu, who has consistently denied involvement in disinformation efforts, remains at large.
Following his recent re-election, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis initially responded cautiously to claims of foreign interference. Though, the prosecutor’s inquiry now presents “consistent proof” of Russia’s systematic disinformation actions and their substantial influence on the presidential elections, leading Iohannis to declare the matter “a matter of national security” and urge further investigation by the Romanian media.
