**Moldova’s Regional Head Jailed for 7 Years Over Funnelling Funds from Russia to Pro-Kremlin Party**
In a significant move, the head of Moldova’s autonomous Gagauzia region, Evghenia Gutul, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for her role in illegally funding the now-banned pro-Russian Shor Party. The ruling, handed down on August 5, marks a major victory for Moldova’s pro-EU leadership, which has long warned against Russia’s attempts at destabilizing the country.
According to reports, Gutul was found guilty of systematically bringing funds from Russia to Moldova for the party’s needs between 2019 and 2022. The Shor Party, founded by fugitive pro-Russian oligarch Ilan Shor, was banned by Moldova’s Constitutional Court in 2023. Prosecutors alleged that the funds were used by the party to pay for anti-government protests, among other purposes.
**The Verdict: A Major Blow to Russia’s Influence**
Gutul’s sentencing comes at a time when Moldovan President Maia Sandu has accused Russia and Shor’s allies of planning to interfere in the country’s upcoming parliamentary elections. The ruling is seen as a major blow to Russia’s influence in Moldova, which has long been a point of contention between the two countries.
In addition to her prison sentence, Gutul was also ordered to pay the state roughly $2.5 million as compensation for her role in the case. Her supporters staged a protest outside the courthouse ahead of the verdict, with many denouncing the charges as politically motivated.
**The Autonomy and its Pro-Russian Ties**
Gagauzia is an autonomous territory in southern Moldova that has traditionally favored closer relations with Russia while opposing EU integration. The region’s leader has been sanctioned by the U.S. and the EU for her ties to Shor, who is a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
**International Reaction: A “Disgrace”**
The verdict against Gutul was swiftly condemned by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, who called it a “disgrace, a calamity, and a disaster that has befallen Moldova and its people.” The reaction highlights the deep divisions between Russia and Moldova over issues of influence and integration.
As Moldova continues to navigate its path toward European integration, the ruling against Gutul marks an important step forward for the country. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of attempting to undermine democracy and stability through illicit means.
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