On Sunday, August 3, more than 1,000 people gathered in front of the Executive Committee building in Comrat, the capital of Gagauzia, to express support for Bashkan Evghenia Gutul, who is currently under house arrest. Gutul faces charges of receiving illegal financing from a criminal organization. The Chișinău court is set to deliver its verdict on August 5.
Protesters held signs reading “Freedom for Evghenia Gutul!”, “Down with the dictatorship!”, and “Our strength is in unity.” Chants of “No to the dictatorship of PAS” echoed through the crowd as Moldovan and flags were waved. A large banner in English read: “Freedom to Evghenia Gutul.”
Among the speakers were Regina Apostolova and Vadim Fotescu, as well as ex-Socialist Party members Vasile Bolea and Alexandr Suhodolschi.
Bolea framed the protest as a defense of traditional values and Orthodox faith, stating: “In the person of Gutul, we are defending our holy church. What the ruling party is doing is absurd.” Suhodolschi emphasized the peaceful nature of the protest, adding: “We have never seen such pressure on Gagauz autonomy in our history. The authorities are dividing the people and suppressing dissent.”
Following the rally, participants adopted a resolution demanding Gutul’s release and an end to her prosecution.
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