2 Swedish journalists await Ethiopian court's verdict on terrorism charges - 21st Dec 2011

Two Swedish journalists charged with terrorism in Ethiopia will hear their verdict Wednesday, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. If they are found guilty they could face up to 15 years in prison.

Ethiopian troops captured Johan Persson and Martin Schibbye in July during an exchange of gunfire with a rebel group in the Ogaden, a prohibited region along the nation's border with Somalia, according to state media.

Press freedom groups say the two were embedded with Ogaden National Liberation Front rebels while working on a story about the region.

Journalists and aid workers are prohibited from entering the Ogaden, which human rights organizations say is rampant with human rights abuses against ethnic Somalis by rebels and Ethiopian troops.

"The Ethiopian army's answer to the rebels has been to viciously attack civilians in the Ogaden. These widespread and systematic atrocities amount to crimes against humanity," says Georgette Ganon of Human Rights Watch. Read More