A court in Moldova sentenced a regional politician known for her pro-Russian views to seven years in jail on charges related to channeling money in order to finance a party authorities say is a facade for Russian election meddling.

Evghenia Gutul, the governor of the autonomous region of Gagazuia, was found guilty of illegal party financing for the "Shor" party, named after exiled pro-Moscow oligarch Ilan Shor, who was previously found guilty of fraud in Moldova.

How did Moscow react to sentencing of Moldovan pro-Russian politician?

Moldova, which borders Ukraine, regularly warns of Russian interference with its domestic politics.

The ruling against 38-year-old Gutul comes ahead of parliamentary elections set to be held on September 28.

The Kremlin labeled the verdict as politically motivated, while also accusing Moldova's pro-European government of suppressing pro-Russian views.

"We see how the opposition is being clamped down in every possible way," a Kremlin spokesperson said.

How did Gutul respond?

Gutul was last received in Russia by President Vladimir Putin in 2024.

In a post on Telegram, Gutul denounced the verdict as "political reprisal" and  "an attempt to intimidate the residents of Gagauzia who have the courage to vote against the ruling party's wishes." 

Moldova has been torn between moving closer to the West or leaning towards Russia, with the pro-EU side currently being in power.

Gutul is also known as a critic of Moldova's pro-EU government. 

Her supporters shouted "shame" and "down with [Moldovan President] Maia Sandu" when Gutul was taken into a police van.

Edited by: Wesley Rahn