The Delegation of the European Union to Moldova and the Embassy of the United States in Chisinau issued statements, expressing their concern about the Transnistrian authorities’ decision to sentence Ilie Cazac to 14 years in prison, Info-Prim Neo reports. “We are troubled by the lack of transparency and due process in his case, and continue to urge that Mr. Cazac's fundamental human and legal rights be respected,” it is said in the statement from the U.S. Embassy. The EU Delegation recalls the fundamental importance of full observance of human rights, and in particular respect for due process as well as the rights of detainees. “The EU Delegation notes with deep concern the circumstances of Mr. Cazac’s pre-trial examination and subsequent trial, including the lack of transparency of the legal process; and the fact that he was denied access to legal assistance of his choosing as well as regular contact with his family,” the European Union Delegation to Moldova says in its statement. The EU Delegation calls on the authorities to address these issues in Ilie Cazac’s case as a matter of urgency. After one year in detention, Ilie Cazac on February 9 was sentenced by the unconstitutional Transnistrian authorities to 14 years in jail for spying for Moldova. Earlier, on December 17, journalist Ernest Vardanyan was sentenced to 15 years behind bars over the same charges.