BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Six people suspected of colluding with Russia to plot a coup against the Romanian government have been detained, according to police in the European Union and NATO-member country.

Romanian prosecutors said Thursday that they arrested and charged six people with treason, accusing them of colluding with Russia to "undermine" the country. The case has already led to the expulsion of two Russian diplomats — Russia's military attache and his deputy — who were declared persona non gratae on Wednesday.

Romanian prosecutors said on Thursday they had detained six people on charges of trying to overthrow the state with the help of Russia, marking a dramatic escalation of tensions between Bucharest and Moscow.

Romania's government is taking a bold stand, expelling Russian diplomats over what it sees as a threat to its sovereignty and democratic stability.

By Iulian Ernst in Bucharest Romanian prosecutors from the Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) announced on March 5 the detention of six individuals accused of forming a military-style organisation aimed at overthrowing the constitutional order.