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Romanian prosecutors have reported the discovery of a secret weapons cache, including rocket-propelled grenades, during police raids on locations linked to right-wing radical politician Calin Georgescu. According to the Voice of America, the investigation also calls for the arrest of former French Foreign Legion soldier Horatiu Potra and 20 other people allegedly involved in illegal weapons possession and threats to national security.
Georgescu found himself at the centre of a high-profile scandal after the first round of the presidential election last November. He unexpectedly came in first, but the results were cancelled due to suspicions of possible Russian interference. As a result, repeat elections have been called for in May.
In addition, a criminal case has been opened against the politician on charges of inciting anti-Semitic propaganda, as well as illegal activities related to threats to national security.
Prosecutors said they were investigating 21 suspects who could face prison terms of up to 20 years. On 26-27 February, interrogations were conducted, after which prosecutors appealed to the Romanian Supreme Court to arrest all the defendants for 30 days.
According to the prosecutor’s office, 47 police raids uncovered an illegal weapons depot allegedly belonging to a group linked to Gheorghese. The weapons found included grenade launchers, automatic weapons and ammunition.
The Romanian authorities have not yet disclosed details about the possible connection of this case with Russia, but the situation has already received international attention. If the suspicions of threats to national security are confirmed, this could lead to severe political and legal consequences for the right-wing radical politician and his entourage.
