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14:49 GMT
BRUSSELS, Dec 27 (KUNA) -- The EU Tuesday expressed concern over the jail sentence against two Swedish journalists for 11 years by an Ethiopian court for supporting terrorism and entering the country illegally.
Martin Schibbye and Johan Persson were detained in July after they were captured in Ethiopia with rebels from the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF).
"Their sentencing on terrorism related charges raises concerns about the freedom of media and expression in Ethiopia," said EU High Representative Catherine Ashton in a statement.
"While recognising the Ethiopian judicial process, we hope that the two journalists can be released as soon as possible," she added .
According to western media reports, the two men had confessed to the Ehtiopian court during their trial that they had held talks with ONLF leaders in London and Nairobi, before entering Ethiopia from Somalia and meeting members of the group. But the journalist denied charges of supporting terrorism and said they entred the country to report on the activities in ther egion of a Swedish oil company .
Meanwhile, the Brussels-based International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today condemned the jail sentences against the two Swedish journalists.
"This is a devastating blow to press freedom in Ethiopia but we are determined to pursue the fight for our colleagues' freedom," said Jim Boumelha, IFJ President. (end) nk.ajs KUNA 271749 Dec 11NNNN