Political turmoil in Moldova: Guțul's case and the judiciary's response
Fugitive Ilan Șor’s attempt to portray Evghenia Guțul’s legal cases as politically motivated actions against the Gagauz region is far from the truth, as the accusations against her stem from events that took place before she became governor.
Public policy expert Andrei Curăraru explained during the program "IN CONTEXT" that Guțul "was used to channel funds into the Șor Party, and the actions of the president of the People’s Assembly, Dmitri Constantinov, should be analyzed from a criminal law perspective after he signed agreements in Moscow with individuals under international sanctions."
The charges against Guțul predate her tenure as governor. The administration faces numerous issues, including budget deficits and salary increases limited to its own employees. These are fundamental matters that should be addressed by the Court of Accounts. The situation in Gagauzia remains complex, with dozens of members of the People’s Assembly attempting to initiate impeachment proceedings. There is a clear conflict between the Socialists and the Șor Party members.
Curăraru added that prosecutors must gather evidence and present circumstances justifying the extension of Guțul’s detention to prevent her from leaving the courtroom before the trial reaches its conclusion.
The next steps depend on the appellate courts' decisions. Currently, there is an evident assault on the judiciary concerning figures linked to Ilan Șor, who systematically attempted to flee Moldova. It is evident that the Șor Party's ability to mobilize will significantly weaken as more of its members face real sanctions.
The expert emphasized that Moldova's judiciary is at a critical juncture, facing an "assault on justice" from Șor-linked figures attempting to evade legal proceedings by leaving the country. He concluded that these cases must serve as a deterrent against electoral corruption and that justice must take its course, ensuring that those involved in corruption schemes face trial and sentencing. "Let’s hope that the judiciary continues to follow due process, especially in light of the upcoming parliamentary elections, and that clear outcomes will be reached."
Notably, the Chișinău Court, Buiucani branch, rejected a request to extend Guțul’s preventive detention by another 30 days, citing legal constraints against imposing two simultaneous detention orders. The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office announced plans to appeal the decision to the Chișinău Court of Appeal. The ruling was issued while Guțul’s supporters staged another protest outside the courthouse.
Guțul was detained on Tuesday, March 25, at Chișinău International Airport while attempting to leave Moldova. Authorities claim she was trying to evade prosecution. On March 28, she was placed in preventive detention for 20 days in a separate case, facing charges of fraudulent management of electoral funds, illegal financing, and falsification of documents to support her electoral campaign. Guțul maintains her innocence.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
