(Oct 20,2011, ADDIS ABABA)--Two Swedish journalists arrested in Ethiopia pleaded not guilty on Thursday to charges of terrorism but admitted to violating immigration laws.
Johan Persson and Martin Schibbye were captured by Ethiopian troops in July during a clash with rebels in the country’s restive eastern region. Journalists are prohibited from traveling freely in the region, also called the Ogaden, which borders Somalia.
The pair are charged with terrorism for associating with the Ogaden National Liberation Front, a rebel group listed as a terrorist group under Ethiopia’s anti-terrorism law. They risk up to 15 years imprisonment.
“Your honor, I am a journalist and my job is to gather news. I am guilty of entering Ethiopia illegally, but I am not guilty of the other activities I am charged of,” Schibbye said on Thursday during a preliminary hearing at Ethiopia’s Federal High Court. Read more from Washington post »
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Zenawi calls jailed Swedish journalists terror accomplices
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Johan Persson and Martin Schibbye were captured by Ethiopian troops in July during a clash with rebels in the country’s restive eastern region. Journalists are prohibited from traveling freely in the region, also called the Ogaden, which borders Somalia.
The pair are charged with terrorism for associating with the Ogaden National Liberation Front, a rebel group listed as a terrorist group under Ethiopia’s anti-terrorism law. They risk up to 15 years imprisonment.
“Your honor, I am a journalist and my job is to gather news. I am guilty of entering Ethiopia illegally, but I am not guilty of the other activities I am charged of,” Schibbye said on Thursday during a preliminary hearing at Ethiopia’s Federal High Court. Read more from Washington post »
Related topics:
Ethiopia: Swedish journalists are 'messenger boys of a terrorist organization'
Journalists to be tried in Ethiopia for terrorism
Zenawi calls jailed Swedish journalists terror accomplices
Ethiopia does not want Swedish journalists in sensitive trial
Swedes to face Ethiopia court next week
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