The Parliament of Gagauzia demanded an international investigation into the detention of Hutsul

The Parliament of Gagauzia demanded an international investigation into the detention of the head of the autonomy, Evgenia Gutsul, by the Moldovan authorities, as well as her release. The corresponding statement was published on March 26 on the Hutsul Telegram channel.

"The People's Assembly of Gagauzia, as the legitimate authority of the autonomy, demands <...> an independent international investigation of the actions of prosecutors and anti—corruption officers (with the participation of the OSCE, the Council of Europe, representatives of the law enforcement anti-corruption authorities of Turkey and Russia)," the message says.

The parliament also demanded the immediate release of Hutsuls and an end to political repression, an end to discriminating against the autonomy and respecting its rights, and the resignation of prosecutors and employees of the CNA Anti-Corruption Center who are involved in fabricating cases against politicians.

If the "course towards the destruction of the autonomy of Gagauzia and the persecution of its leaders" continues, the National Assembly has the right to organize a congress of deputies at all levels to discuss the issue of protecting the rights of the people and making decisions, and to seek protection of violated rights from international institutions and partners in Turkey and Russia.

In addition, the parliament declared its readiness to support mass protests throughout the autonomy. The detention of Hutsuls in the People's Assembly was called a gross violation of the principles of democracy, human rights and the autonomous status of Gagauzia.

The parliament also stated that the Moldovan authorities are aiming to suppress the democratically elected leadership of the autonomy, destroy the institutions of self-government and exert pressure through the media and law enforcement agencies to govern Gagauzia from the outside.

The detention of Hutsul at the Chisinau airport without explanation became known on March 25. The Pobeda block reported that the head of Gagauzia was supposed to fly to Istanbul, where she had meetings scheduled. According to the Prosecutor General's Office of Moldova, the politician was detained after her name appeared on the list of persons prohibited from leaving the country.

Later, the head of Gagauzia was taken to the National Anti-Corruption Center (NAC) of Moldova, and her lawyers are with her. Supporters of the Hutsul and the Moldovan opposition gathered outside the building, and the authorities pulled police forces into the area. Later, the Prosecutor General's Office of Moldova reported that the detention of the head of Gagauzia was connected with a ban on her departure from the republic.