Romanian Court Upholds Mercenary's House Arrest Amid Constitutional Order Case

The Bucharest Court of Appeal has ruled to maintain the house arrest of Horațiu Potra, a figure accused in a case involving alleged attempts against Romania's constitutional order. The court's decision on August 26 confirmed the preventive measure, extending Potra's confinement to his home until a further review, not exceeding 60 days.

Potra, along with former presidential candidate Călin Georgescu and 20 other defendants, faces charges including attempted actions against the constitutional order, illegal possession of weapons, and violations related to explosives. The case stems from allegations that Potra's group planned to infiltrate protests organized after the annulment of the December 2024 presidential elections with the aim of provoking violence and chaos.

Prosecutors claim the alleged plot was conceived during a meeting at a farm in Ciolpani shortly after the election results were voided. Călin Georgescu and his associates were reportedly present at this meeting. The High Court of Cassation and Justice had previously ruled on August 6 that the case could proceed to the trial phase.

Potra had requested a less restrictive judicial control measure at a previous hearing, but the Court of Appeal denied this request. The case has seen multiple postponements in the pronouncement of a solution, with judges hearing arguments from the involved parties on April 14 before delaying the decision three times.

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Finds the legality and foundation of the preventive measure of house arrest ordered against the defendant P. H. Maintains the preventive measure of house arrest taken against the defendant Potra Horațiu until a new review, but no later than 60 days.