Communist Win Confirmed In Moldova's Disputed Vote

Participants in a protest demonstration against the vote on April 6

CHISINAU -- Moldovan officials have confirmed a ruling Communist Party victory in the country's disputed parliamentary elections.

A recount was called after thousands of demonstrators took to Chisinau's streets on April 7-8 to protest the April 5 voting.

The country's prison authority on April 21 announced the release of up to 100 people who'd been detained in connection with the demonstrations, RFE/RL's Moldovan Service reported.

It is believed that more than 100 others are still being held in connection with the demonstrations, while hundreds were injured, and two people died during the unrest.

Protest organizer and journalist Natalia Morar is now under house arrest and faces a possible 15-year sentence for inciting mass disorder.