Brussels, 03/01/2012 (Agence Europe) - Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has stated her deep concern about the judgment and sentencing to 11 years' imprisonment of two Swedish journalists, Martin Schibbye and Johan Persson, whom she trusts will be released “as soon as possible”.
In a statement published on 27 December, Catherine Ashton states: “Martin Schibbye and Johan Persson have been in Ethiopia as journalists conducting research. They have pleaded guilty for having illegally entered Ethiopia but denied any involvement in terrorist activities. Their sentencing on terrorism-related charges raises concerns about the freedom of media and expression in Ethiopia.” (AN/transl.jl)