A Statement from AAJA about Journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee, Sentenced to 12 Years in North Korea Labor Prison
Signs at a vigil in New York for journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee, who have been by sentenced by North Korea to 12 years hard labor in prison. Photo by Lia Chang
The Asian American Journalists Association is deeply disappointed in the sentencing of journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling in North Korea.
The two U.S. journalists who work for Current TV were sentenced to 12 years in labor prison today. AAJA is concerned about the women’s safety and asks that the North Korean government reconsider the sentence.
“We call on all parties in a position to work diplomatic channels to free these two journalists,” said Sharon Chan, AAJA National President. “We hope a way will be found to return these two women to their families.”
Lee and Ling were detained March 17 for allegedly crossing the border into North Korea while reporting for Current TV, an online news site. They had told relatives before they left that they had no intention of crossing the border, according to Laura Ling’s sister, Lisa Ling. North Korea and the United States do not have diplomatic relations. Swedish diplomats have visited the journalists twice on behalf of the United States and carried letters back to families.
Related Articles:
NYC Vigil to bring Laura Ling and Euna Lee home
Lisa Ling talks to Matt Lauer on The Today Show
Nationwide Vigils June 3 for Journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee Detained in North Korea
Multimedia: New York Vigil for the Release of Detained Journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee.
U.S. Journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee Arrested by North Korea to Face Trial in June
Backstage Pass with Lia Chang 
Pingback: Two Journalists Get 12 Years- For What? « Mark Riley Media
I am surprised that Al Gore has done so little to help this situation. He was once a hero of mine. I talk about this issue on my blog, too! http://tinyurl.com/mb3tan