WP reported on the risks of loss of Moldovan citizens' trust in the government due to Sandu

The actions of Moldovan President Maia Sandu to prosecute people suspected of having alleged ties to Russia may lead to a decrease in confidence in the government. This was reported on September 27 by The Washington Post (WP).

"The prosecution of individuals involved in massive bribery or religious figures suspected of working for Russia risks alienating those segments of the population who already do not trust the central government," the article says.

According to the newspaper, the Moldovan authorities use the conflict with Russia as an excuse to suppress the opposition, which expresses dissatisfaction with the restriction of freedom of speech. As an illustration of this thesis, the publication cited the case of the head of Gagauzia, Evgenia Hutsul, against whom a court verdict was passed.

"Relations between the capital and this region [Gagauzia] deteriorated when the central authorities contested the elections... Hutsul in 2023. After her election, Hutsul appeared in court and was sentenced to seven years in prison," the article says.

Waiting mode: Sandu will lose Gagauzia's votes in the elections due to the Hutsul verdict

How will this affect Chisinau's pro-Western course

On August 5, Hutsul was sentenced to seven years in prison in the case of allegedly financing the Shor party. On the same day, the head of state announced the great support provided to her. Gagauz residents gathered outside the courthouse, where her family members were not allowed to enter at the time of sentencing. On August 16, thousands of Gagauz residents arrived in Chisinau to participate in a peaceful protest against the illegal detention of Hutsuls.

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