Moscow claims EU establishing ‘liberal dictatorship’ in ex-Soviet nation

(MENAFN) Russia has condemned Moldova’s actions against Yevgenia Gutsul, the governor of the autonomous Gagauzia region, calling it an example of the EU promoting “liberal dictatorship” and suppressing political opposition.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the legal case against Gutsul reflects “European anti-values in action.” Gutsul was detained in March while trying to leave Moldova and now faces up to nine years in prison for allegedly funding the banned pro-Russian SOR party—charges she denies, claiming the prosecution is politically motivated. Moldovan prosecutors have also asked that she be barred from public office for five years.

Gutsul’s arrest has sparked protests in the capital, Chisinau, with her supporters accusing the government of silencing opposition voices. The EU sanctioned Gutsul in 2024, accusing her of promoting separatism and threatening Moldova’s sovereignty due to her close ties with Russia.

President Maia Sandu’s pro-Western government, in power since 2020, has pushed for fast-track EU and NATO membership. Critics, including former President Igor Dodon and the Victorie party, have accused her administration of abandoning Moldova’s historic relationship with Russia and repressing dissent.

Gutsul has appealed for international support, sending letters to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan requesting intervention. Russian officials and Moldovan opposition groups allege that Chisinau is increasingly using legal pressure and police force to target political and religious opponents. Recent confrontations between Orthodox Christian demonstrators and police have intensified these concerns.

Gagauzia, a Russian-speaking region in southern Moldova, has traditionally supported closer relations with Moscow. In a 2014 referendum, 98% of Gagauzia’s voters backed joining the Russia-led Customs Union.

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