Moldova Jails Gagauzia Leader Over Russia-Linked Funding

A Moldovan court sentenced Evghenia Gutul, governor of the Gagauzia region, to seven years in prison for illegally financing the now-banned pro-Russian Shor Party with funds allegedly funneled from Russia between 2019 and 2022. Gutul was accused of receiving about $2.5 million from an organized criminal group and has been ordered to pay the state a similar amount in compensation. The ruling comes as Moldova prepares for parliamentary elections, amid accusations by authorities and Western allies that Russia and Shor’s associates are trying to interfere in the electoral process. Gutul, sanctioned by the U.S. and EU, denies the charges and intends to appeal, calling the case politically motivated. The Kremlin has condemned the verdict as a crackdown on opposition, while Gutul's supporters protested outside the courthouse. The case underscores ongoing tensions between pro-European and pro-Russian factions in Moldova, especially in Gagauzia.