EU Representative expresses concern about case of Vardanyan

The European Union Special Representative for Moldova Kalman Miszei expresses his concern about the case of journalist Enest Vardanyan, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Kalman Miszei believes the Transnistrian authorities’ action is a violation of the human rights, Info-Prim Neo reports, quoting a statement from the European official. Kalman Miszei notes with deep concern that Ernest Vardanyan has been denied the right to have a legal counsel of his own choosing, the right to be present or be represented by a person of his own choosing at pre-trial detention hearings as well as at court hearings, and the right to contact regularly his family. The EU Special Representative for Moldova recalls the crucial importance of observance of human rights, and in particular the freedom of expression, as well as the fundamental rights of detainees. Ernest Vardanyan was arrested on April 7 in Tiraspol. On December 16, the journalist was sentenced to 15 years in jail for treason and espionage for Moldova.