IFJ Calls for Dismissal of Terrorism Charges against Swedish Journalists in Ethiopia

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today accused the Ethiopian authorities of waging an intimidation campaign against the independent media after four journalists, including two Swedish reporters, were charged with terrorism in Addis Ababa. Swedish reporter Martain Schibbye and photographer John Persson are facing trial for reporting on the situation in the country.  Their Ethiopian colleagues Woubshet and Reeyot Alemu who work for independent media outlets in the country and have been in detention since June 2011.

"These are outrageous accusations designed to intimidate journalists who seek to work independently in Ethiopia," said Gabriel Baglo, IFJ Africa Office Director. "There can be no press freedom when the media is denied access to independent information. We urge the authorities to drop these charges and set all our colleagues free."

Reports say that the two Swedish nationals appeared before a court in Addis Ababa on Wednesday 7 September where they were formally charged with terrorism. Johan and Martin were arrested on 27 June after crossing into Ethiopia from Somaliland. The journalists reportedly admitted entering Ethiopian territory without visas but denied any involvement with terrorism.  Under the Ethiopian anti- terror legislation, the journalists could be sentenced to life imprisonment if convicted.

The IFJ supports the call made by the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) for the immediate release of the two journalists, saying the reporters' detention risks impacting negatively on the standing of the Ethiopia on press freedom and rule of law.

"These are clearly not terrorists, but journalists who have been doing their work in a place where little information reaches the world," said Arne König. "They pose no risk to the public safety or order and should be released immediately so that they can go back to their families and colleagues."

In the meantime, two other Ethiopian journalists, deputy editor of the independent weekly Awramba Times Woubshet Taye and Reeyot Alemu, a regular contributor to the independent weekly Feteh who were arrested in June, also face charges under the terrorism act.

The IFJ says that these cases add to the urgency of governments' reviews of anti-terror laws to guarantee press freedom and the protection of journalists. An international conference organised by the IFJ and EFJ last weekend emphatically rejected the abuse of laws to fight terrorism as an excuse to silence independent media and political dissent.

 For more information contact the IFJ at   +221 33 867 95 87 / +32 2 235 2200

The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 131 countries worldwide