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 the meeting but later admitted it after photographs were published in Romanian media, although 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, allegedly for staging a violent power grab.
Georgescu, 63, surprisingly topped the polls in the first round of the presidential election last November. However, that result was annulled by the Constitutional Court amid allegations of Russian interference.
Romanian intelligence has suggested that a massive influence operation from abroad boosted his presence and popularity on social media. The prosecutor general has described the annulled election as part of a hybrid war orchestrated by Russia, connecting it to cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns.
Georgescu has not yet commented on the charges but has frequently accused the Romanian authorities of ruling through deceit, intrigue and division. A date for his trial is yet to be announced, but it could start in early 2026.
