 A photo reporter was also present in order to provide maximum exposure to the flight attempt.The scandal was centered on the charge of treason ("of the people's interests"), provoked by the allegation that those arrested had attempted to establish a government in exile.Victor Frunză argues that "in democratic states" citizens should have an "unconditional right to a passport" in order to leave the country whenever they want and therefore the accusations of illegal border crossing, flight and treason should not have been brought.