Moldova's President Using Repression to Silence Dissent - Gagauzia Leader
16:34 05.08.2025 (Updated: 16:36 05.08.2025)
© Sputnik / Dmitrij Osmatesko
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CHISINAU (Sputnik) - The head of Moldova's autonomous region of Gagauzia, Yevgenia Gutsul, on Tuesday called the court's decision against her a verdict against the entire democratic system of Moldova and an attempt to intimidate the residents of Gagauzia.
Earlier in the day, Natalia Bayram, Gutsul's lawyer, told Sputnik that the Chisinau District Court sentenced the region's leader to seven years in prison with immediate execution in the case of financing the banned Sor party.
In a statement issued through her legal team, Yevgeniya Gutsul condemned the court’s verdict, calling it a politically motivated decision with no basis in justice.
"This decision has nothing to do with justice. It’s a political execution, orchestrated and carried out on orders from above," the statement reads.
The Gagauzian leader argued that her sentencing represents a broader assault on democratic institutions in Moldova, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent for anyone who dares to criticize those in power.
"Today, I’m behind bars — tomorrow, it could be anyone who dares to criticize those in power. This is not just a sentence against me — it’s a sentence against Moldova’s entire democratic system. It’s an attempt to intimidate the people of Gagauzia, who have the courage to vote differently from what the ruling party wants," Gutsul stated.
She further noted the case was designed to suppress dissent ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections, accusing the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) and President Maia Sandu of using state institutions to fabricate charges, pressure the judiciary, and silence opposition voices.
"The PAS regime and Maia Sandu are using repression as a tool to crush dissent. With parliamentary elections approaching, they’re not holding back — fabricating cases, pressuring judges, and issuing politically motivated verdicts. All of it aimed at one goal: clinging to power at any cost," the Gagauzia head pointed out.
Calling the trial a “farce,” Gutsul vowed to continue fighting to clear her name and restore her reputation. She emphasized her determination not to be broken by the sentence and pledged to appeal the decision in higher courts, expressing confidence that justice would ultimately prevail.
"I do not recognize this farce and will fight for my name, my honor, and the truth. I will not be broken. I will return — to my people, to my children, and to my family," she underlined.
