A court in Romania has decided that the trial of Andrew Tate, a controversial influencer, and his brother Tristan will proceed.
Andrew Tate, aged 37, and Tristan, aged 35, were arrested last December on charges of rape, human trafficking, and participation in a criminal organization, all of which they deny.
The internet personalities are also wanted in the UK for alleged sexual offenses.
The Tate brothers, who hold dual UK-US nationality, are accused of exploiting women through an adult content business, which prosecutors claim operated as a criminal enterprise.
In an indictment published in June last year, two female Romanian associates were also named alongside the brothers, with seven alleged victims identified.
Andrew Tate, known for his self-described misogynistic views, was previously banned from social media platforms for expressing such views.
He has consistently argued that Romanian prosecutors lack evidence against him and have conspired to silence him.
On Friday, the court in Bucharest announced that the case met the legal criteria and would proceed.
However, the brothers’ lead counsel, Eugen Vidineac, criticized the ruling, stating, “lacks legal basis and reasoning”.
Vidineac also emphasized the defense of the Tate brothers, stating, “We have filed a strong appeal as we believe the ruling to be unlawful.”
