At penitentiary no. 13 in Chișinău, where the convicted governor of Gagauzia, Evghenia Guțul, is detained, a “support and solidarity action” took place. Individuals associated with Ilan Șor organized a demonstration, marking three years since the election of Evghenia Guțul to the position of governor.
The protesters came to the prison gate with balloons, an icon, and several placards reading “For the governor, for autonomy, for Gagauzia!”, “Hands off Gagauzia!”, “Guțul is our governor”, notes newsmaker.md
“Evghenia Alexandrovna, we, the inhabitants of Gagauzia, have come today to congratulate you on the anniversary of the adoption of respect. (…) The autonomy of Gagauzia is held just as you hold yourself within these walls, in the most terrifying prison in the Republic of Moldova. (…) You were imprisoned because you became the governor of Gagauzia. (…) The Gagauz people are waiting for you, they still believe and today they congratulate you. (…) One of the demands, which resonates every day, is “freedom for the governor of Gagauzia”, was heard at the demonstration.”
On August 5, 2025, Evghenia Guțul was sentenced in the first instance to 7 years in prison in a semi-closed type penitentiary for women, in the case of illegal financing of the former “Șor” party. In addition to the sentence regarding Evghenia Guțul, the court decided to impose a penalty of 6 years in prison for Svetlana Popan, the former secretary of the Central Office of the ex-“Șor” party.
The two were found guilty on two counts: knowingly accepting funding for the electoral competitor and the political party from an organized criminal group, in an extended form, as accomplices. They do not admit their guilt and accuse the political orchestration of the case and have contested the decision of the first court.
The Court of Appeal will deliver the decision on May 28, 2026, in the case of Evghenia Guțul and Svetlana Popan, after the closing arguments were concluded on March 19 and the defendants had their final say.
The channels associated with Ilan Șor have intensely promoted the event and have disseminated messages on social networks on the occasion of the third anniversary of Evghenia Guțul’s election as governor.
