Tamara Shagoyan, the mother of Ernest Vardanyan, a journalist, who was arrested in Tiraspol on accusations of espionage issued a statement slamming the actions of the Moldovan authorities.

“All letters and statements, where Ernest Vardanyan allegedly pleads guilty of the espionage, are false. They prove that he is a victim of political games and hostage to the authorities,” Mrs. Shagoyan said.

She also addressed a letter to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.