The judge who examined the indictment against Gagauzia’s mayor, Eugenia Gutul, filed a police complaint this morning reporting threats and intimidation, announced Viorel Cernauteanu, head of the General Police Inspectorate (IGP). Authorities have opened a criminal case for threatening a person in a position of responsibility, reports IPN.
At a press conference, Cernauteanu said that during the night of August 4-5—before the verdict announcement—the judge’s residence received multiple false alarms, including bomb threats, alleged stabbing attempts, and fire scares. The building also houses Gutul’s family.
The intimidation campaign began in late July and escalated over time. Perpetrators created a fake email address resembling the judge’s official one. They used it to send false messages to media outlets and public figures, alleging political pressure and threats to the judge’s safety.
Threateners kept sending messages and images, and international callers flooded the judge’s phone. “These actions are unprecedented,” Cernauteanu said. “We are investigating with the utmost seriousness.”
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The judge now receives police protection. “We have implemented all legal security and guard measures to ensure her safety,” Cernauteanu confirmed.
Authorities suspect a criminal group orchestrates the intimidation campaign, given the high-profile nature of Gutul’s case. “We need to identify who benefits from this,” said the IGP head.
On August 5, a court sentenced Eugenia Gutul to 7 years in prison for illegal party financing linked to the Shor organization. Svetlana Popan, former secretary of the Shor Party, received a 6-year sentence. Authorities immediately took both into custody and transferred them to Prison No. 13.
Both Gutul and Popan plead not guilty. Gutul’s lawyers denounce the verdict as political revenge and plan to appeal to the Court of Appeal.