Ethiopia's High Court on Friday sentenced journalist Eskinder Nega to 18 years in jail, after he was found guilty on terrorism charges last month, dpa reported. Eskinder was convicted along with 23 other people under a controversial anti-terrorism law from 2009, which has been roundly criticized by human rights groups. Sixteen were tried in absentia, as they are in exile. The Committee to Protect Journalists said it "condemns the harsh prison sentences issued by Ethiopia's High Court," noting that Eskinder and five other journalists were found guilty "on vague and politically-motivated terrorism charges.
