Swedish Journalists sentenced to 11 years prison for supporting terrorism

Two Swedish reporters were sentenced to 11 years of prison for supporting terrorism. A court in Ethiopia on Tuesday sentenced two Swedish journalists to 11 years in prison on charges of supporting terrorism after the two illegally entered the country with an ethnic Somali rebel group in a case that has been criticized by media rights groups.

Johan Persson and Martin Schibbye were the two Swedish journalists who supported terrorism. Judge Shemsu Sirgaga ruled that the two freelance journalists — Johan Persson and Martin Schibbye — will serve “rigorous imprisonment” following their convictions last week.Ethiopian troops had captured Persson and Schibbye six months ago during a clash with rebels in eastern Ethiopia’s restive Somali region, a no-go area for reporters. Ethiopia considers the rebel group a terrorist organization, and it is very difficult for journalists to gain access to the region. Rights groups say that is so abuses there are not exposed.

The international community has closely followed the terror trial against the Swedes. Rights groups and diplomats say Ethiopia’s anti-terrorism proclamation restricts freedom of expression and is used as a tool to crack down on dissent.

Pakistan measures to halt terrorist attacks on airports

On December 15 Azam Tiwana, director general of the Airport Security Force (ASF), said that,”Authorities have taken special measures at Pakistan’s airports to prevent terrorist attacks using small aircraft, Brig”.

Addressing listeners at the ASF head office and academy in Karachi, he said terrorists could attempt to replicate the now-defunct Tamil Tigers terrorist group’s attacks on Colombo International Airport in Sri Lanka, Jang reported.

He said the ASF has taken special measures and has equipped its staff with anti-aircraft guns, media reported.

IAF choppers to provide live demonstration of terror hit

Planning to offer a real-time picture on ground during terrorist attacks to security forces, the Indian Air Force has arranged two of its Mi-17 helicopters in Mumbai and Delhi. These helicopters have been equipped with imaging systems and sensors to allow live video footage of terror attacks to the command and control centers, IAF officials said.

As per IAF's plans, the footage will be used to give a holistic picture to the troops and security forces on ground who can then take synergized action against terrorists, the officials said. The plan to deploy these choppers was initiated in the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, they said. India has taken several measures after the attacks to protect vital installations and points against any hit from the sea or aerial route.The Air Force is also planning to deploy its frontline fighter aircraft such as the SU-30MKI in the National Capital region (NCR) to ward off any possible aerial threat.
During the Commonwealth Games last year, the IAF had deployed its unmanned aerial vehicles to provide security cover to the mega event. IAF has also procured the C-130J Special Operations aircraft which can be used to airlift and deploy quick reaction teams at any location in the country in case of any such attack.