SIS: Transnistrian security is misinforming

The Security and Information Service (SIS) of Moldova says the video with journalist Ernest Vardanyan, who was arrested in Tiraspol, is an illegality by the Transnistrian security ministry that wants to misinform the people. In the video that was broadcast two days ago by a Transnistrian TV channel, the journalist admits that he cooperated with the SIS and betrayed Transnistria. “By such activities, the secessionist exponents are trying to reanimate the false thesis that attempts are made to resolve the Transnistrian dispute by force. In reality, the whole society realizes that the Moldovan constitutional authorities aim to peacefully solve the conflict and act constructively and consistently so as to help the population from the Eastern districts of the country,” the SIS says in a statement issued on May 13. The administration of the SIS considers that the repressive methods used by the MGB (State Security Ministry) run counter to the legal, moral and ethical norms and common sense as they result in illegal arrests and human rights violations, making reference to the Moldovan citizens Ernest Vardanyan and Ilie Cazac. According to the Service, the authorities of the breakaway republic try to introduce elements of distrust in the relations with the partner services with which the SIS strengthened its cooperation lately in order to more efficiently contribute to regional and European security. Freelance journalist Ernest Vardanyan was arrested by the Transnistrian security services on April 7. He is accused of spying for Moldova and is liable to 12 to 20 years in jail. Ilie Cazac, an employee of the State Tax Inspectorate in Tighina, was arrested on March 19 on the same charges.