BUCHAREST, Romania — A court in the Romanian capital ruled Friday that social media mogul Andrew Tate can leave Romania but must remain in the European Union while he awaits trial on charges of human trafficking, rape and forming a criminal ring to sexually exploit women.
The Bucharest court’s decision to allow Tate, 37, to leave the country was hailed by his spokesman, Mattea Petrescu, as “a major victory and a major step forward in the case”.
Tate, a former professional kickboxer with dual British and American nationality, was first arrested near Bucharest in December 2022 along with his brother Tristan and two Romanian women.
Romanian prosecutors formally charged all four men in June last year, but all deny the charges.
After Friday’s verdict, Tait posted on social media platform X: “I am free. After 3 years I can leave Romania. The bogus case is falling apart.”
“We welcome and applaud the court’s decision today and see it as a reflection of my clients’ exemplary behavior and support,” said Eugene Vidynak, one of the Tate family’s lawyers, adding that the family “remains determined to restore their honour and reputation.”
On April 26, a Bucharest court ruled that the prosecution’s case against Tate met legal standards and the trial could begin, but did not set a start date.
The ruling came after the case had been argued for months at the preliminary hearing stage, a procedure in which defendants can challenge the prosecution’s evidence and the record of the case.
Mr Vidinec said being able to travel within the EU27 would allow the Taits to “pursue professional opportunities without restriction”.
