Evghenia Gutul, governor of Gagauzia, was sentenced to seven years for illegal financing of the pro-Russian "Shor" party, which is accused of facilitating Russian election meddling. The verdict has been condemned by Moscow as politically motivated. Moldova, regarding pro-European governance, has warned against Russian interference. The ruling comes ahead of September 28 parliamentary elections, amidst tensions between pro-EU and pro-Russian factions. Gutul claimed the decision was a political reprisal aimed at intimidating voters in Gagauzia who oppose the ruling government.
Gutul was found guilty of illegal party financing for the "Shor" party, named after exiled pro-Moscow oligarch Ilan Shor, who was previously found guilty of fraud in Moldova.
Gutul denounced the verdict as "political reprisal" and "an attempt to intimidate the residents of Gagauzia who have the courage to vote against the ruling party's wishes."
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