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Moldova Court Upholds Seven-Year Prison Sentence for Gagauzia Leader Evghenia Gutsul
Moldova's Chisinau Court of Appeal upheld a seven-year prison sentence against Evghenia Gutsul, head of the Gagauz autonomous region, for illegal financing of the opposition Sor party on May 28, 2026. Her legal team announced plans to appeal to Moldova's Supreme Court of Justice.
Quick Facts
Who
Evghenia Gutsul
What
Court of Appeal upheld seven-year prison sentence
When
May 28, 2026
Where
Chisinau
- Court of Appeal upheld seven-year prison sentence
- Dismissed cross-appeal by Gutsul
- Convicted for illegal financing of opposition party
- Defense announced plans to appeal to Supreme Court of Justice
- Evghenia Gutsul
The Chisinau Court of Appeal on Thursday upheld a seven-year prison sentence for Evghenia Gutsul, the head of Moldova's Gagauz autonomous region, in connection with illegal financing of the opposition Sor party. Judge Vitalie Budeci announced the decision, dismissing Gutsul's cross-appeal and confirming the verdict originally issued by a Chisinau court on August 5, 2025.
Gutsul, who leads the autonomous region of Gagauzia within Moldova, was convicted of her involvement in unlawful party financing related to the Sor opposition party. The appeal court's decision represents a significant development in the case, which has drawn attention given Gutsul's prominent political position in the semi-autonomous territory.
Gutsul's legal team indicated they would pursue further action to overturn the conviction. Defense lawyer Sergiu Moraru stated that the defense would "certainly" file an appeal with Moldova's Supreme Court of Justice, seeking full acquittal of all charges against his client. The case is therefore likely to continue through Moldova's highest judicial authority.
Why This Matters
This decision reinforces judicial accountability for political leaders regarding campaign finance violations and highlights ongoing tensions in Moldova's governance of its semi-autonomous Gagauzia region. The case's progression through the highest courts will signal Moldova's commitment to rule of law and potentially influence similar cases involving illegal party financing across Eastern Europe.
Timeline & Sources
Aug 5, 2025
WireChisinau court handed down seven-year prison sentence against Evghenia Gutsul
May 28, 2026
WireChisinau Court of Appeal upheld the seven-year prison sentence, dismissing Gutsul's cross-appeal
May 28, 2026
WireDefense announced plans to appeal to Moldova's Supreme Court of Justice