Moldovan Opposition Leader Criticizes Police

17 January 2005 -- The secretary-general of Europe's top human rights body says he has received complaints from a top Moldovan opposition leader who contends he and his supporters are being harassed by police.

Terry Davis, who heads the Council of Europe, is on a visit to Moldova as the country prepares for parliamentary elections scheduled for 6 March.

Davis said from Chisinau today that Chisinau Mayor Serafim Urechean has accused authorities of persecuting him. Urechean leads the opposition alliance Democratic Moldova.

Moldovan authorities have denied the charge.

(AP)