Gagauzia Leader's Arrest Sparks Protests in Moldova

Moldovan Authorities Place Gagauzia Leader Under House Arrest Amidst Growing Political Tensions On May 23, 2025, Grigorii Gushul, the head of Gagauzia, an autonomous region in Moldova, was placed under house arrest. This action sparked immediate protests in the region and beyond, as seen in a video circulating online. The video captures a crowd gathered in what appears to be a public square, holding signs expressing their discontent with the government's decision. One protester's sign reads, "Regimul Sandu - Pas Democratie!" (Sandu's regime - No Democracy!). The video also features a speaker addressing the crowd, denouncing the arrest as an attempt to silence Gagauzia's voice. "They've placed Gushul under house arrest to deprive Gagauzia of its voice," the speaker claims, "The people of Moldova will fight to the end." The speaker's words reflect the widespread anger and frustration felt by many regarding the government's actions. The incident highlights the ongoing political tensions in Moldova, particularly between the central government and the autonomous region of Gagauzia. While the exact reasons for Gushul's arrest remain unclear from the video alone, the protest underscores the deep divisions and the strength of public opposition to the current government's policies. The situation bears close monitoring as it could escalate further.