EU delegation: Ethiopia should release jailed journalists and activists

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – A delegation from the European Union's parliament is calling on Ethiopia's government to release jailed journalists and political activists.

Barbara Lochbihler, the head of the EU delegation, said Wednesday that Ethiopia is jailing journalists and activists for "exercising their legitimate right to freedoms of expression, association and religion."

A spokesman for Ethiopia's prime minister said the country doesn't have any political prisoners. In another sign the EU call might not be heeded, the delegation was at the last minute denied a pre-approved visit to the prison where the activists are being held.

Lochbihler said Ethiopia has an excellent constitution but that there are flaws "in the impartiality of the judicial system." The group called on Ethiopian authorities to release journalists, members of the opposition and others arbitrarily detained or imprisoned.