Moldova: Moldova's Prosecutor General's Office on Wednesday confirmed that Yevgenia Gutsul, the head of Moldova's autonomous region of Gagauzia, has been detained for 72 hours. "On the evening of March 25, 2025, the head of the Gagauzia autonomous region appeared at the Chisinau International Airport . Subsequently, the individual was detained for 72 hours by the National Anticorruption Center," the prosecutor general's office said in a statement, specifying that border control revealed that Gutsul was on a watchlist and required additional screening.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Gagauzia deputy head Viktor Petrov stated that Gutsul's detention was an act of political pressure against the opposition and could lead to the arrest of other opposition members. He noted that the Moldovan ruling Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) was "clearing the political field" to ensure victory in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Meanwhile, Gutsul's procedural status remains unclear, Petrov said, adding that the situation is unprecedented for Gagauzia and has never occurred in Moldova's history. "This is a serious matter that requires assessment from international organizations and Russia. We will call on all relevant parties to evaluate the actions of the PAS regime," Petrov said.

Following Gutsul's detention, Moldovan authorities deployed police forces to Comrat, the administrative center of Gagauzia, the deputy head said, adding that tensions in the region have increased.

Gagauzia declared independence from Soviet Moldova in 1990 but was integrated into the newly-established Republic of Moldova in 1994. The Gagauz people are Orthodox Christians of Turkic origin. Gagauzia has traditionally favored rapprochement with Russia, while Chisinau has set a course toward European integration.