“I consider that the cruel sentence handed down against legally elected leader of Gagauzia, Eugenia Gutsul, is a grave violation of the law and the principle of justice,” Moskalkova told reporters on Thursday.

She also stated that Gutsul’s conviction represents a clear disregard for the rule of law, human rights, mercy, and humanism.

Moskalkova stated, “In this regard, I have contacted Turk to call on him to defend Gutsul’s rights.”

On Wednesday, the Moldovan court sentenced Gutsul to seven years in prison, with immediate effect, on charges of financing the banned Sor party.

Gutsul was arrested on March 25 at Chisinau airport, accused of illegally financing the Sor party in 2023, which was later declared unconstitutional in the country, and falsifying documents.

Her initial pretrial detention period expired on June 13, but was later extended.

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