Bucharest, Romania — Andrew Tate, a prominent internet personality, and his brother Tristan have departed Romania aboard a private jet bound for the United States. This development comes after Romanian prosecutors decided to lift the travel restrictions previously imposed on them. The brothers, who hold dual citizenship in the US and UK, faced arrest in 2022 under severe allegations including human trafficking and forming a criminal organization, charges they both vehemently deny.
According to their attorney, Ioan Gliga, the departure occurred on Thursday morning destined for Florida. The lifting of travel bans was approved after the intervention of legal counsels who persuaded the prosecutors to revise the previously strict conditions. This move has allowed them a temporary exit from the country although they are required to return to face their charges in a court appearance scheduled for March 24.
The decision to remove the travel ban on the Tate brothers reportedly followed diplomatic engagements involving US officials. Notably, such discussions were highlighted during interactions between Trump’s former special envoy Richard Grenell and Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu at the Munich Security Conference in Germany. While confirming the discussions, Hurezeanu and a spokesperson for Romania’s Foreign Ministry emphasized that there was “no pressure” applied in these diplomatic dialogues.
Meanwhile, Romanian prosecutors were clear in their statement that only the travel restrictions were lifted, with all other legal obligations still enforceable. This includes their mandate to comply with all judicial proceedings when summoned.
The news of their release has sparked considerable backlash, particularly from those representing the alleged victims. Matthew Jury, a UK lawyer representing British women who have filed criminal complaints against Andrew Tate for rape and sexual assault, expressed deep concern and disappointment over the decision. He described the influence of US politics in the case as both “disgusting and dismaying” and feared it might impede the course of justice.
Andrew Tate, who gained significant attention on the internet for his controversial statements on gender roles and material success, has been a polarizing figure. His online activities led to bans on several social media platforms, a decision reversed by Elon Musk on the platform X formerly known as Twitter.
Though a Romanian court initially failed to commence a trial against the Tates in December due to indictment errors, they faced continuous legal battles, including a house arrest that was later eased. They were also involved in a legal matter concerning the possession of luxury cars worth approximately €4 million, which had been seized during investigations.
The case continues to draw international attention and reflects broader conversations about the intersection of internet influence, legal jurisdictions, and diplomatic engagements. As the Tate brothers prepare for their forthcoming court appearance, the global community watches closely, pondering the implications of their controversial case on international legal proceedings and diplomatic relations.
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