Andrew Tate can leave Romania but must stay in EU as he awaits trial, court says

Andrew Tate can leave Romania (AP)

Social media influencer Andrew Tate can leave Romania but must remain within the European Union as he awaits trial on charges of human trafficking, rape and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women, a court has ruled.

The Bucharest Tribunal’s decision to allow Tate, 37, to leave the country was hailed by his spokesperson as a “significant victory and a major step forward” in the case.

Tate, a former professional kickboxer and dual British-US citizen, was initially arrested in December 2022 near Bucharest, Romania’s capital, along with his brother Tristan and two Romanian women.

Romanian prosecutors formally indicted all four in June last year.

They have denied the allegations.

I AM FREE.

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 3 YEARS I CAN LEAVE ROMANIA.

THE SHAM CASE IS FALLING APART.$DADDY X THEREALWORLD GLOABL TOUR LOADING -

Will you be there? https://t.co/9TN9VyfzRh pic.twitter.com/LieZl7OF9F

— Andrew Tate (@Cobratate) July 5, 2024

After Friday’s decision, Tate wrote on the social media platform X: “I AM FREE. FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 3 YEARS I CAN LEAVE ROMANIA. THE SHAM CASE IS FALLING APART.”

Eugen Vidineac, one Tate’s lawyers, said: “We embrace and applaud the decision of the court today, I consider it a reflection of the exemplary behaviour and assistance of my clients.”

He added that the Tates are “still determined to clear their name and reputation”.

On April 26, the Bucharest Tribunal ruled that the prosecutors’ case file against Tate met the legal criteria and that a trial could start but did not set a date for it to begin.

That ruling came after the legal case had been discussed for months in the preliminary chamber stages, a process in which the defendants can challenge prosecutors’ evidence and case file.

Mr Vidineac said the ability to travel within the 27-nation EU bloc will allow the Tates to “pursue professional opportunities without restriction.”