Martin Schibbye and Johan Persson are serving 11-year sentences . `` There is a tradition of mercy and forgiveness in Ethiopia , '' Schibbye 's mother says . The Ethiopian government has said it will appeal the ruling. They have been held in harsh conditions , she says .
Martin Schibbye and Johan Persson are serving 11-year sentences . `` There is a tradition of mercy and forgiveness in Ethiopia , '' Schibbye 's mother says . `` They felt that their defense arguments did n't have much impact '' at trial , she says . They have been held in harsh conditions , she says .