Romanian courts have rejected claims by British influencer Andrew Tate and given the green light for his trial to begin in the country on charges of human trafficking in an organised crime group and rape, AFP reports.
In its ruling, the Bucharest court "rejected as unfounded the claims" of the accused and "confirmed the legality of the procedure by ordering the opening" of the proceedings.
However, no date has yet been set for the hearing.
His lawyers immediately appealed the decision, deeming it "illegal and unjustified" and promising to "clarify his innocence".
The 37-year-old male influencer will appear in court alongside his 35-year-old brother Tristan.
Prosecutors suspect them of involving several women in sexual exploitation.
They were arrested in late 2022 and spent three months in custody in Bucharest. They were indicted in June 2023 and are not allowed to leave the country.
According to prosecutors, the victims were trapped by the two men, who faked feelings for them (known as the "loverboy" method) before being forced "through acts of physical violence and psychological coercion" to produce pornographic films.
Andrew Tate was also charged with rape on two occasions.
The two brothers, who deny all charges, are also the subject of a "European Arrest Warrant" issued by the British authorities. It also relates to "allegations of rape and human trafficking" following complaints made by several women.
In March, the Romanian justice system indicated that it was ready to accept their extradition, but only after a trial in Romania, which could take years.
U.S.-born 1986 influencer Andrew Tate has lived in Romania for several years. Before he ended up behind bars, he says he appreciated "freedom" and "the fact that corruption is available to everyone."
Banned from Instagram and TikTok for misogynistic comments, the kickboxer is followed by more than 9 million people on the social network X, where he shows off his bulging muscles, smokes cigars and charms millions of teenagers with his luxury cars.
He promotes masculinist theories and gives advice to men on how to become rich. /BGNES
