Police recorded dozens of cases of illegal payments to protesters near Penitentiary No. 13
Today, on August 10, dozens of people were sanctioned for receiving or offering money in exchange for participating in protests near Penitentiary No. 13.
Police investigations revealed that demonstrators were offered payments ranging from 200 to 400 lei, while those who transported them in their personal vehicles received between 1,000 and 1,500 lei.
Law enforcement officers found that these payments were made to encourage as many participants as possible, which is against the law.
Additionally, the police discovered vehicles loaded with propaganda materials, including leaflets, banners, and clothing items, for which there were no documents regarding their origin, printing, or invoicing.
A transport unit with temporary registration numbers from Gagauzia was also identified, carrying tents and mattresses intended for placement in the penitentiary area. This arrangement would have violated the institution’s strict security standards.
In recent days, the 112 service has received numerous calls from residents living near the penitentiary, who have complained about disturbances to public peace and their inability to rest in their own homes.
The police would like to remind the public that participating in protests for payment is illegal and punishable under current legislation.
"The police acknowledge the right to free expression but will not overlook the law, which clearly states that individuals participating in such activities do not express their own opinions, but rather those dictated by the criminal organization," stated representatives of the IGP.
We remind you that the protests took place near Penitentiary No. 13 in support of the Bashkan of the Gagauz region, Evghenia Guțul, who was sentenced to 7 years in prison by the first instance on Tuesday, August 5. This sentencing was issued by the magistrates of the Chisinau Court based in Buiucani in a case concerning the illegal financing of the former "Șor" Party, which was declared unconstitutional in June 2023. Additionally, a 6-year prison sentence with execution was imposed on the second defendant in the case, Svetlana Popan.
