Deputy Prime Minister responds to Russian officials' threats after Evghenia Guțul's conviction

The Republic of Moldova is a sovereign state and we firmly reject any interference in our country's internal affairs. The times when Moscow dictated what we should do are long gone. This statement was made by Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi after several Russian officials criticized the conviction decision of Governor Evghenia Guțul.

The official described the reactions as "an interference" in the country's internal matters.


"The Republic of Moldova does what is best for its citizens, clearly following its national interest to strengthen peace and prosperity within the greater European family," said Popșoi.


He was asked whether the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will summon the designated head of the Russian diplomatic mission in Chișinău, Oleg Ozerov, following the reactions from Moscow.


"We will certainly examine all options to defend the national interests of the Republic of Moldova," Popșoi said.


Several Russian officials criticized the court's decision by which Governor Evghenia Guțul was sentenced to seven years in prison in the case regarding the illegal financing of the former Shor party.

Russian president's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the decision as "an example of illegal pressure on electoral competitors during the campaign." Meanwhile, Konstantin Zatulin, special representative of the State Duma for migration and citizenship issues emphasized that in this situation, "the most radical way to solve the problem is the rapid advancement of the Russian army to Ukraine's border with the Transnistrian region."


	
Governor of Gagauzia sentenced to seven years in prison