Moldova jails Gagauzia governor for 7 years Over opposition party funding

A court in Chișinău has sentenced the head of Moldova’s autonomous Gagauzia region, Yevgenia Gutsul, to seven years in prison for alleged violations related to the financing of the banned opposition Șor Party.

The verdict was announced by her lawyer, Natalia Bayram, who confirmed to the Russian news agency that the sentence must be carried out immediately, Caliber.Az reports.

“She was sentenced to seven years in prison,” Bayram said, adding that Gutsul would be taken into custody and transferred to prison directly from the courtroom.

Yevgenia Gutsul was elected Governor (Bashkan) of Moldova’s autonomous Gagauzia region in July 2023, backed by the banned Șor Party. A political novice, she previously worked as an administrative assistant for the party.

Her election followed a controversial campaign allegedly financed with undeclared funds from Russia. Moldovan authorities claim over 42 million lei (about $2.4 million) were funnelled illegally into party activities between 2019 and 2022.

The Șor Party, led by fugitive oligarch Ilan Șor, was banned in 2023 for undermining state security. Gutsul has rejected the charges as politically motivated.

The U.S. sanctioned her in June 2023, citing her ties to Șor and involvement in activities “undermining democratic processes”. Her frequent visits to Russia and support for President Vladimir Putin have heightened tensions between Gagauzia and Moldova’s pro-EU central government.

By Aghakazim Guliyev