A Romanian court has reportedly rejected Andrew Tate’s recent bail request but an even bigger decision on his future is less than two weeks away.
Apprehended on suspicion of human trafficking, Tate has been in custody since late Dec. 29, which is an extension of what was supposed to originally be a 30-day detainment after DIICOT — a government organization in Romania that investigates organized crime — arrested Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan while searching for evidence against them and feared they would flee the country. Several alleged victims have come forward, mostly claiming that Tate had misled them into doing what amounts to online sex work.
The 30-day custody was increased as DIICOT investigators have twice requested the addition of another 30 days to their detainment and Romanian courts agreed. In February, Tate’s lawyer appealed to the continuous extension of their detainment but the appeal was denied (via ABC News)
The bail denial is another blow to the Tate brothers, but it’s not surprising considering that Romania rarely allows anyone who is under investigation for such serious offenses to be under any conditions other than detainment. In other words, house arrest is out of the question.
After two extensions, Tate’s most recent date to be released is March 29, which is just a couple of weeks away. If DIICOT requests yet another extension, which they are allowed to do, then it will bring into question what evidence, if any, has been found. The lack of charges, especially considering that DIICOT has been investigating Andrew Tate since April, will cause many to at least question if the Tates’ detainment is unjust, especially since Andrew Tate has continuously voiced his innocence.
However, in Romania, authorities are allowed to detain those under such investigations for a total of six months, which means that Tate and his brother could remain in custody until the end of June even if no charges are filed against them. Additionally, the allegations against Andrew Tate are serious and disturbing. So, if they end up being true, it will mean that Tate would be spending a lot more than just six months in prison.
Considering his detainment is due to end in a few days, a decision on Andrew Tate’s immediate future will be made within the next two weeks. Will he be formally charged? Will DIICOT again request a 30-day extension? If so, will the courts approve that extension? Or will Tate actually be released on his scheduled release date? Unfortunately for him, the latter seems unlikely.Â
