SEEMO joins voices requesting Vardanian's release

The South East Europe Media Organization (SEEMO) strongly condemns the arrest of journalist Ernest Vardanian in Tiraspol and supports the numerous calls from international organizations, journalist groups and authorities for him to be freed, Info-Prim Neo reports, quoting a press-release from the Organization. “The accusations against Vardanian of high treason due to critical reporting are unacceptable”, says Oliver Vujovic, secretary-general of the Organization. “SEEMO urges the Ministry of Security in Tiraspol to withdraw the charges and the prison sentence. SEEMO would also like to remind the Ministry of Security in Tiraspol that an open media environment, allowing for the free flow of information, is a fundamental principle of any democratic society”, added Oliver Vujovic. Ernest Vardanian, an independent and well-known journalist in Moldova, was arrested by the security forces of the Tiraspol regime on April 7 on charges of “high treason and espionage in favor of Moldova”, which make him liable to up to 20 years in prison.