3.31.2009

detained journalists will stand trial

Good God. Euna Lee and Laura Ling, the two American journalists detained by North Korea at the China border two weeks ago, will be indicted and tried for their "suspected hostile acts," according to Pyongyang's state-run news agency: NKorea says 2 US journalists will stand trial.

According to the Korean Central News Agency, "The illegal entry of U.S. reporters into the DPRK and their suspected hostile acts have been confirmed by evidence and their statements." The report didn't say when a trial might take place, nor did it elaborate further on what "hostile acts" they allegedly committed.

Who are they kidding? Can the two really expect a "fair" trial? This is really bleak. Under North Korea's criminal code, conviction on charges of spying and illegally crossing the border could draw more than twenty years in prison for each of them.

Forgive me if I'm not exactly reassured by North Korea's claims that they'll be treated well. Let's pray for some kind of international intervention, because it's obvious the regime has no intentions of freeing them soon. More here: N. Korea to Try U.S. Journalists

The International Women's Media Foundation and Reporters Without Borders have jointly launched a petition for the immediate and unconditional release of Laura Ling and Euna Lee: IWMF Calls for Release of Two American Journalists in North Korea.

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