Gagauzia Protests: Head Evghenia Guțul's Arrest Sparks Outrage

Protests Erupt in Gagauzia Over Arrest of Regional Head Evghenia Guțul Comrat, Moldova – On June 3rd, 2025, a protest unfolded in Comrat, Gagauzia, expressing strong opposition to the arrest of Evghenia Guțul, the region's head. Protesters claim Guțul's arrest is politically motivated, orchestrated by the ruling Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS). The demonstration saw several people holding flags, a clear show of support for Guțul and her associate, Svetlana Popan, who is also facing charges. "We are here today to say that we disagree with what is happening in the Moldovan justice system!" declared one protestor, Ivan Stamov, in a video shared online. "We support our head of Gagauzia, Evghenia Guțul, who is being illegally tried in a purely political case – an order from the PAS." He added that the protest was a show of support for both Guțul and Popan, who may also face conviction. The protest highlights concerns about the impartiality of the Moldovan judiciary and the alleged influence of politics on legal proceedings. The event underscores the ongoing political tensions within Moldova and the strength of feeling among residents of Gagauzia, a largely autonomous region.