Gagauzia supports Guțul's release, threatens mass protests
On Wednesday, March 26, the People's Assembly of Gagauzia (APG) adopted a statement expressing unanimous support for the autonomy’s Bashkan, Evghenia Guțul, who was detained by law enforcement the previous day.
Lawmakers are demanding her immediate release, accusing central authorities of “discrimination” and “political repression,” and warning of potential protests. We reached out to central authorities for a response. The government has yet to issue an official statement, while the Presidency of the Republic of Moldova, through its spokesperson Igor Zaharov, stated that it “will not comment on political statements,” adding that the case is being handled by the relevant authorities.
APG calls for an international investigation, warns of mobilization
In its resolution, the People's Assembly of Gagauzia is calling for an independent international investigation involving the OSCE, the Council of Europe, and institutions from Turkey and Russia to examine the actions of prosecutors and anti-corruption officers involved in the case.
The Assembly is also demanding their resignation, claiming they have been involved in fabricating cases against political opponents.
Furthermore, the People's Assembly warned that if central authorities “continue on the path of undermining Gagauzia’s autonomy,” it reserves the right to:
Convene an extraordinary congress of deputies at all levels to discuss measures for protecting Gagauz rights;
Seek support from “traditional allies” such as Turkey and Russia, as well as international institutions;
Stage mass protests across the autonomous region
Gagauz Executive Committee condemns Guțul’s arrest as “political repression”
Meanwhile, the Gagauzia Executive Committee has condemned Evghenia Guțul’s detention, calling it an “act of political repression.” It accused central authorities of deepening divisions between Comrat and Chișinău and undermining Moldova’s commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law.
“In the name of the region’s residents, we urge you to firmly condemn the central authorities’ pressure on Gagauzia and to defend the fundamental democratic institutions in our region,” the Gagauz Executive Committee stated in a public appeal.
Evghenia Guțul was detained on Tuesday evening, March 25, at Chișinău International Airport as she attempted to leave Moldova.
According to the National Anti-Corruption Center, she is under investigation in a criminal case involving the fraudulent management of electoral funds, illegal financing, and false declarations. Guțul has been placed in custody for 72 hours, while prosecutors decide whether to request pretrial detention.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
