Sweden has sought the help of the US and European Union to secure the release of two of its journalists jailed in Somalia for supporting terrorism.

An Ethiopian court has sentenced two Swedish journalists to 11 years in jail for supporting terrorism and entering the country illegally.

Two Swedish journalists charged with terrorism in Ethiopia after being arrested in a battle between state troops and rebels will go on trial today.

Two Swedish journalists arrested in Ethiopia are to remain in detention until September 14 while a police probe continues, a judge has ordered.