Ogaden: Swedish Journalists Refused Visa’s To Attend Trial
Ethiopain authorities have refused visas to journalists from Sweden that want to be present at the trial of their colleagues Martin Schibbye and Johan Persson, who will be prosecuted for alleged terrorist activities.
Below is an article published by Stockholm News.
No Swedish journalists have gotten visa to Ethiopia as they intend to be present in the trial against the two Swedish journalists Martin Schibbye and Johan Persson who are currently in jail in Ethiopia. The two Swedish journalists were arrested when they travelled in the disputed Ogaden-area to investigate alleged crimes against the civilian population from the Ethiopian state. But the two Swedish journalists travelled imbedded in the guerilla movement of the Ogaden area and therefore they are prosecuted not only for entering the country illegally but also for terrorism.
- If Swedish journalists are not allowed into the country, we will not know what is happening, says Ola Larsmo, writer and chairman of the Swedish Pen to Dagens Nyheter.
Journalists from Sveriges Radio, Sveriges Television, Dagens Nyheter and TT have applied for visa so they can be present at the trial which will take place in 18 October. The two journalists risk 18 years in Ethiopian prison.
