The families of Euna Lee and Laura Ling, the American journalists who have been detained in North Korea since March, appeared on NBC's Today Show this morning to talk about their situation: Loved ones 'terrified' for captured journalists.
Laura Ling and Euna Lee, reporters for Current TV, were detained by North Korean guards on March 17 while shooting video along the country's border with China. They face trial on unspecified charges of "hostile acts."
Up to now, the families -- including Laura's sister, journalist Lisa Ling -- have remained relatively quiet, due to the sensitivity of the situation. But with international tensions escalating on the Korean peninsula, and the trial quickly approaching, they've made the decision to speak out.
I can't imagine what they must be going through, with their loved ones in the custody of one of the world's most oppressive, reclusive regimes, and the sheer lack of information. Euna and Laura face trial this week, on June 4.
This Wednesday, June 3, there will be vigils held in cities around the country on behalf of Euna Lee and Laura Ling (it'll be June 4, the day of the trial, in Korea). Here's some info on the vigil locations:
JUNE 3rd PUBLIC VIGILSPlease bring candles for the vigils. It might seem like the situation is too big or too far away for you to do anything about it, but at the very least, you can stand with other concerned citizens in support. For more updated information about the vigils, visit this Facebook group Detained In North Korea : Journalist Laura Ling and Euna Lee, please help.
June 3rd in the States is June 4th in North Korea, the day the trial starts.
VIGIL LOCATIONS:
Washington, D.C.
VIGIL Organizers: Asia Liu, Max Neubauer, Wesley Della Volla, Daniel Beckmann, Joseph Hong
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=81896567681
New York, NY
VIGIL Organizers: Danielle Chang,
Gwendolyn E. Lindsay-Jackson, Crystal Sun Kim
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=85102251771
CHICAGO
VIGIL Organizers: Rose Tibayan, Nancy Loo
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=206839975710&ref=share
Birmingham, AL
VIGIL Organizers: Lisa Anderson, Max Neubauer
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=84322779270
Portland, OR
VIGIL Organizers: Meghan Miller Jedrzejczyk, Max Neubauer
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=111689610930
San Francisco, CA
VIGIL Organizers: Lynn Perkins, Mike Shen, Gibson Pearl
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=112511386222
Los Angeles, CA
VIGIL Organizers: Welly Yang,
Kristiana Velasco, Joe Omar Gonzales, Joyce Mar
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=79299243499
Sacramento, CA MOMENT OF SILENCE:
L Wine Lunge & Restaurant
1801 L Street, Sacramento, CA
(916) 443-6970
6:30-8pm (This is the same time as the Portland vigil)
Organizer: Beth Diebels
National Organizer: Brendan McShane Creamer
Email address: blove73@msn.com
Phone 215.699.4338
