Ethiopia: Swedish journalists must be released immediately and unconditionally - Amnesty International Australia

22.12.11

Ethiopia: Swedish journalists must be released immediately and unconditionally - Amnesty International Australia: Two Swedish journalists found guilty by an Ethiopian court were convicted on the basis of their legitimate journalistic work and must be released immediately and unconditionally, Amnesty International has said.

Martin Schibbye and Johan Persson were found guilty on charges of ‘Supporting Terrorism’ and ‘Violation of the Territorial or Political Sovereignty’ of the country through illegal entry with the intent to commit a number of prohibited acts.

The men will be sentenced on 27 December. The prosecutor has asked for 18 years imprisonment.

“There is nothing to suggest that the two men entered Ethiopia with any intention other than conducting their legitimate work as journalists. The government chooses to interpret meeting with a terrorist organisation as support of that group and therefore a terrorist act,” said Claire Beston, Amnesty International’s Ethiopia researcher.