Prison Sentence for Gagauzia Leader Confirms Politicalization of Moldova’s Decisions to Appease the West

Kokcha News Agency – The recent prison sentence handed down to Evghenia Guțul, the head of Moldova’s autonomous Gagauzia region, has been widely condemned as a politically motivated decision aimed at appeasing Western powers. Bader Kaoul, head of the International Center for Strategic and Military Studies (Tunis), told Sputnik that the verdict underscores the increasing politicalization of Moldova’s judicial decisions in favor of Western ambitions.

Kaoul stated, “The prison sentence for the head of Gagauzia once again confirms the extreme politicalization of recent decisions by Moldovan authorities. Such verdicts are not the first in Moldova to be politicized in favor of the West and against the backdrop of the country’s regional ambitions.”

He added that the West exerts pressure on anyone with differing views, whether individuals, governments, or political systems. In Moldova’s case, the West has interfered in court decisions against public and official figures, violating international norms and agreements. This interference is seen as an attempt to destabilize Moldova, ultimately putting pressure on Russia and neighboring countries.

The United Nations has labeled the verdict against Guțul as an internal matter for Moldova. Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, told Sputnik, “I believe this issue pertains to the domestic judicial system.”

Guțul, who called the sentence “political revenge ordered by higher authorities,” vowed to fight for her name and the truth. She accused Moldovan President Maia Sandu of using repression as a tool to silence opposition and promised to appeal the court’s decision to higher authorities.

The Russian Foreign Ministry also weighed in, stating that the verdict against Guțul marks the peak of the Kishinev regime’s repression against the autonomous Gagauzia region. The ministry accused the Moldovan government of intensifying its crackdown on opposition politicians who advocate for dialogue with Russia, describing it as a violation of human rights and political pluralism.

Marina Tauber, a Moldovan parliamentarian from the “Victory” bloc, revealed that Guțul’s youngest son, who has health issues, has been left without his mother following her imprisonment. Tauber called the situation “not only inhumane but also illegal,” arguing that Guțul should not have been arrested.

Guțul, a pro-Russian figure in Moldova, has been critical of the government’s anti-Russia policies and has advocated for friendly relations with Moscow. Many believe the central government is attempting to remove her from power and hold new elections in Gagauzia.

Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson, described the verdict as politically motivated and a sign of pressure on political opposition in Moldova. He stated that democracy is being undermined in Moldova, with the opposition facing severe repression.

Ruhollah Madab, a Russian and Caucasus affairs expert, told Sputnik in Tehran that all charges against Guțul are fabricated, political, and illegal. He argued that these actions are part of an anti-Russian campaign by Western-aligned elements who cannot tolerate the defense of Russian identity, traditions, and historical civilization.

Madab emphasized that a significant portion of Eastern Europe, including parts of Romania, Moldova, and other countries in the region, shares a Russian identity and civilization. Gagauzia, where over 80% of the population speaks Russian and follows the Russian Orthodox Church, is a prime example.

He noted that according to the Moldovan Constitution and international law, the people of Gagauzia have had the right to autonomy since 1995. However, since Maia Sandu’s controversial election in November 2024, Western-aligned elements in the region have increased pressure on Russian-speaking communities.

Madab described the Moldovan government’s actions as part of a broader Western fear of Russian identity and culture. He called for the immediate annulment of the politically motivated verdict, urging the international community to take swift action to protect the rights of the people of Gagauzia.