Updated

CHISINAU, Moldova -- Moldovan prosecutors have charged a Russian journalist with helping to organize anti-government protests in which three protesters were killed and dozens of protesters were injured.

Prosecutors said in a statement released Thursday that Baghirov planned "a Twitter-type revolution" to compromise the pro-European opposition. Protesters who supported the opposition claimed April 2009 parliamentary elections were rigged by the Communist government.

The statement said Baghirov infiltrated social networking groups prior to street protests and used "technology to manipulate the masses." Mainly young protesters clashed with the Communist authorities in street riots.

Baghirov, who was arrested in June, claims the charges are politically motivated because he does not support the government. He faces up to eight years in prison.