Călin Georgescu released but under judicial supervision for 60 days after night in custody
Bucharest Court rejected the arrest of Călin Georgescu and ordered judicial supervision for 60 days. The former presidential candidate denies accusations of fraud and formation of an organised criminal group.
Georgescu free but restricted after DIICOT requested his arrest
Călin Georgescu was released from police custody after one night in detention, according to ProTV News. Bucharest Court rejected a request for preventive arrest submitted by DIICOT prosecutors and instead ordered him to be placed under judicial supervision for 60 days, with a series of obligations and restrictions.
The former presidential election candidate spoke on the courthouse steps immediately after being released, denying any wrongdoing. "In this case, as in the others, I am innocent, these are cases constructed for political reasons," Georgescu declared, describing the accusations as a construct of the "neo-Marxist and neo-Phanariot system". He is accused of fraud with particularly serious consequences and formation of an organised criminal group.
His lawyer, Mircea Sinescu, underscored the significance of the court's decision: "The proposal to take preventive arrest measures was rejected, judicial supervision measures were ordered. Justice is done in the courtroom, not in other institutions, not through public poisoning."
Georgescu had waited approximately two hours for the judge of rights and freedoms to deliver his verdict.
Fear of fleeing the country, invoked by DIICOT
DIICOT prosecutors insisted on the arrest of both Georgescu and the other detained defendant, businessman Ionel Rusen. The main argument was the risk of evading criminal prosecution. Investigators presented a recording of a conversation between the two men, in which Georgescu allegedly mentioned the intention to purchase a property in Tuscany, Italy, and asked for information about obtaining political asylum.
"CĂLIN GEORGESCU: And the second matter, I want you to find out how to... in case of something... with political asylum. IONEL RUSEN: When we go there we'll see the former chief... prosecutor for Italy. He's a very good friend. He's going to help us with everything that means...", can be heard in the recording, according to the cited source.
Hundreds of supporters at courthouse exit
As Georgescu left the courthouse building, he was greeted by hundreds of supporters. He gave them a message with religious reference: "The world is small and God is great, so I convey to everyone as follows: rejoice always, pray without ceasing and give thanks for all things!"
His freedom remains, however, conditional. The judge prohibited him from leaving Romanian territory and from contacting — directly or indirectly — the other defendants in the case, witnesses or injured parties. He will also have to report periodically to police.
DIICOT prosecutors contested the decision of Bucharest Court, so the case will be reviewed by a higher court.
Source: Știrile ProTV