The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Thomas Hammerberg was invited to Moldova to facilitate the release of journalist Ernest Vardanyan, who is held illegally in Tiraspol, the head of Moldova's Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Ana Gutu told a news conference on May 4, Info-Prim Neo reports. Ana Gutu said the members of the Moldovan delegation distributed a circular about Ernest Vardanyan's arrest to all the national delegations and political groups attending the PACE session held during April 27-30. Thomas Hammerberg delivered a short speech on the issue. “We hope the Council of Europe will allow a special mission to work in Moldova and facilitate the release of the journalist,” Ana Gtu said, adding that they received no answer from the Commissioner so far. Ernest Vardanyan was arrested by the Transnistrian secret services in Tiraspol early last month. He is accused of betraying the state and spying for Moldova. Prime Minister Vlad Filat said recently he possesses information that Ernest Vardanyan is held in appropriate detention conditions, befits from legal assistance and his situation is monitored by international organizations. At the same time, the Romanian press reported, quoting the Armenian press, that the journalist, who is of Armenian origin, is tortured and he seeks protection for his wife and his two children. He asked not believing the videos broadcast as everyone can be made to confess anything under interrogation.