On October 8, the Chisinau Court of Appeal denied Evgenia Gutsul, the head of Gagauzia, release from custody. The decision followed requests from her legal team, including a demand for immediate freedom. Gutsul’s lawyer, Natalia Bayram, stated that during the investigation, the autonomy leader was offered to resign in exchange for ending criminal charges against her.
Bayram highlighted that Gutsul faces significant barriers, including limited access to meetings, translation services, and case materials. In August, Gutsul received a seven-year prison sentence in a case alleging financing of the Shor party, with prosecutors initially seeking nine years. At the time of sentencing, supporters gathered outside the courthouse despite restrictions on family entry. International legal representatives later joined her defense.
William Julie, a lawyer representing Gutsul, noted that the facility where she is detained has been criticized by the European Court of Human Rights for violating rights daily. He also pointed to procedural issues, stating only 20 out of 200 requested witnesses were heard in court without explanation.
