Romanian far-right former presidential candidate Calin Georgescu has been charged with attempting to stage a coup after the first round of the presidential election was annulled last December.
Horatiu Potra, a former French legionnaire and militia chief in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and 20 other people were also charged.
The case rests on a planned raid on the Romanian capital Bucharest on 8 December, which police foiled.
Romanian prosecutors describe a plot targeting Romania's constitutional order, involving Georgescu, Potra, their group, and alleged foreign intelligence links.
Potra and others have been charged with instigating the coup, while Georgescu is accused of conspiring with Potra.
Prosecutors say Georgescu met Potra and other members of his group at a horse farm in December, soon after Georgescu's victory was annulled.
Georgescu initially denied that the meeting took place, but later admitted it after photographs were published in Romanian media. However, he denies discussing plans to stage an insurrection.
In late February, police raided several locations in Romania, uncovering a cache of weapons, gold, and cash, with which it is alleged Potra's group was planning to stage a violent power grab.
Prosecutors state that Potra is currently not in the country and may seek asylum in Russia.
Georgescu, 63, achieved a surprise first-place finish in the first round of Romania's presidential election last November.
That result was annulled by the Constitutional Court just days before the second round was due amid allegations of Russian interference.
Romanian intelligence services suggested that his presence and popularity on social media had been boosted by a mass influence operation conducted from abroad.
Prosecutor general Florenta described the annulled 2024 election as the result of a hybrid war orchestrated by Russia, alleging cyberattacks coincided with an online disinformation campaign targeting Romanian institutions.
According to investigators, over 2,000 Facebook pages were employed to amplify pro-Georgescu messaging, while automated accounts on TikTok also supported his campaign leading up to the vote.
After Georgescu was barred from registering as a candidate, his ally George Simion stood in his place in the May rerun.
While Simion won a dramatic first-round victory, he ultimately lost to liberal mayor Nicusor Dan in the runoff.
Georgescu has not yet publicly commented on the charges but has previously accused the Romanian authorities of ruling through deceit and division.
President Dan stated that the prosecutorial findings are proof of systematic disinformation efforts by Russia in Romania aimed at manipulating the 2024 election.
A trial date for Georgescu has not yet been set, but it may commence in early 2026.
