**Moldova’s Gagauzia Leader Detained**
Evghenia Gutul, the leader of Moldova’s Gagauzia region, was arrested at Chisinau airport on March 25. She was trying to leave the country.
Gutul is accused of being involved in a case where money from Russia was brought into Moldova illegally. The money was used by her party, which is not allowed in Moldova. Authorities say she worked with a criminal group to do this.
The leader of Gagauzia has ties to Russia and has met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. She denies the charges against her, saying they are political.
**International Reaction**
Russia says the arrest was unfair and that Moldova is not respecting democracy. Human rights groups say Russia is repressing civil society, opposition, and free press at home.
The US imposed sanctions on Gutul in 2023 for her ties to a Russian oligarch who tried to destabilize Moldova.
**Background**
Gagauzia is an area in southern Moldova that borders Ukraine. It has traditionally been close to Russia and opposed to joining the EU. Moldova’s president, Maia Sandu, refused to make Gutul part of the government because she was accused of vote-buying.