The judge who examined the indictment file of the mayor Evghenia Gutul filed a complaint with the police this morning regarding the intimidations and threats she was subjected to. This was announced by the head of the General Police Inspectorate, Viorel Cernăuțeanu, who specified that a criminal case was opened for threatening a person in a responsible position, reports IPN.
At a press conference, the head of the IGP stated that, even on the night of August 4th to 5th, before the pronouncement meeting, at the address where the judge lives, several false alarms were recorded – from bomb threats to alleged stabbing or fire incidents. He confirmed that the family of the mayor Evghenia Gutul has recently moved into the same apartment block.
According to the head of the National Police, the intimidation campaign began at the end of July, when the judge became the target of pressures, which escalated over time. Those behind the intimidations created a fake email address, almost identical to the magistrate’s work one, from which they sent a false announcement to the media and public figures. In the message, they invoked alleged political pressures and threats to the judge’s personal security.
The pressure on her continued with threatening messages, including images. The judge’s personal phone was flooded with calls from international numbers. “These actions are unprecedented. Investigations are being treated with utmost seriousness, and a criminal case has currently been opened for threatening a person in a position of responsibility,” mentioned Viorel Cernăuțeanu.
According to him, the judge benefits from protection. “All security, protection, and guard actions are undertaken, within the legal framework, so that the person feels safe,” mentioned Viorel Cernăuțeanu.
Following the investigations, the police suspect the involvement of a criminal group, considering that the judge was examining a high-profile case involving a person with direct ties to the Șor organization. “This is one of the versions. We need to understand whose interest it was,” said the head of the IGP.
Bashkana Evghenia Gutul, a close associate of fugitive Ilan Shor, was sentenced to 7 years in prison on Tuesday, while the former Shor party secretary, Svetlana Popan, was sentenced to 6 years of detention. Immediately after the verdict, both were taken into custody and transported to Prison No. 13.
Both Evghenia Gutul and Svetlana Popan have pleaded not guilty. Bașcana believes that the decision by which she was convicted has no connection with justice, but is a political revenge. The lawyers mentioned that they will appeal both sentences to the Court of Appeal.
