Kremlin Tried to Send a Package to Gagauzia Governor Evghenia Gutul in Prison. Chisinau Explains the Refusal.

The article from Adevărul details a diplomatic spat between Russia and Moldova concerning the imprisoned governor of Gagauzia, Evghenia Gutul. The Russian Embassy in Moldova accused Chisinau of a politically motivated refusal when Moldova's National Penitentiary Administration denied a package intended for Gutul.

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In these conditions, the Embassy publishes the message independently, hoping it will be heard and reach the recipient through public attention.

According to the Russian Embassy, Ambassador Oleg Ozerov attempted to send food, literature, and a personal message to Gutul on April 30th. When the package was rejected, the embassy publicly shared its message, implying that the Moldovan authorities were obstructing communication for political reasons. This narrative positions Russia as a supporter of Gutul and criticizes Moldova's judicial and penal systems.

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According to Art. 211 para. (1), a convicted person is allowed to receive only one package per week. The convicted person Guțul E.A. has already benefited from this right during the reference period, so receiving an additional package has no legal basis, regardless of the sender's identity.

However, the Moldovan National Penitentiary Administration firmly refuted these claims, explaining that the refusal was based strictly on legal provisions within the Execution Code. They clarified that Gutul had already received her weekly allowed package, and sending another one would be a violation of the rules, regardless of the sender's identity. The administration emphasized that the decision was purely procedural and not politically motivated, asserting that such rules apply universally to all inmates.

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The administration firmly rejects any insinuation of a 'political motivation'. The refusal is exclusively procedural and applies equally to all convicted persons.

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Moldova and Russia, particularly concerning the pro-Russian autonomous region of Gagauzia and its leadership. Gutul's imprisonment stems from a conviction by a Chisinau court. The article also touches upon previous attempts by the Russian ambassador to meet Gutul in prison and mentions broader discussions about potential prisoner exchanges involving Moldovan spies held in Russia, though Gutul was reportedly not part of those negotiations. From a Moldovan perspective, this event underscores the Kremlin's attempts to interfere in domestic affairs and support figures perceived as aligned with Russian interests, while Chisinau maintains its adherence to legal procedures.

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What I can tell you with certainty is that Gutul was not on the negotiation table. Neither we nor they proposed her. So, Gutul...