Ethiopian court convicts 2 Swedish journalists on terrorism charges

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Source: CNN International

Sweden's prime minister wants two of its journalists who were found guilty Wednesday of supporting terrorism in Ethiopia to be freed and returned home as soon as possible, saying they were on a "journalistic mission."

The pair could face up to 15 years in prison, the Swedish Foreign Ministry said. Their next court appearance is scheduled for December 27 and sentencing could occur then.

Ethiopian troops captured Johan Persson and Martin Schibbye in July during an exchange of gunfire with a rebel group in the Ogaden, a prohibited region along the nation's border with Somalia, according to state media.

Ethiopians officials have accused the journalists of being accomplices to terrorism after the government declared the Ogaden National Liberation Front a terrorist group in June.


Read more: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/12/21/world/africa/ethiopia-swedish-journalists/index.html?hpt=hp_t3