Head of Gagauzia sentenced to seven years

The decision was handed down on August 5 by the Buiucani District Court in Chisinau, TV8 reports.

In addition to Gutsul, the former secretary of the party's central office, Svetlana Popan, will spend six years behind bars.

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“This is not a trial, but a public execution. I cannot say that there is any evidence there, there is only fiction,” said Gutsul's lawyer, Sergei Moraru.

He announced his intention to appeal the decision in the Court of Appeals.

Before the current hearing, the police formed a cordon in front of the courthouse. Gutsul's supporters gathered on the opposite side of the street. A counter-protest was also held at the scene.

Photo: instagram.com/evghenia.gutul.