Moldova Jails Gagauzia Leader Over Russian Funding

Evgenia Gutul, the pro-Russian governor of Moldova's autonomous Gagauzia region, was sentenced to seven years in prison for illegally channeling Russian funds to the now-banned Shor Party between 2019 and 2022, with prosecutors alleging the money financed vote-buying and anti-government protests. Gutul, who denies any wrongdoing and has been sanctioned by the US and EU for destabilizing activities, plans to appeal the decision. The Kremlin and Gutul’s defense denounced the verdict as politically motivated and a crackdown on opposition, while Western-leaning Moldovan authorities and some experts view the conviction as a move to curb Russian meddling and corruption. The case has become a flashpoint ahead of Moldova's crucial September parliamentary elections. Protests erupted in Chisinau following the verdict, reflecting the deep divide between pro-European and pro-Russian factions in the country. The sentencing has further strained Moldova-Russia relations and highlighted ongoing tensions regarding the nation’s geopolitical direction.