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.

AAJA has received information about events in the U.S. concerning the two detained Asian American journalists in North Korea, Laura Ling and Euna Lee.

AAJA has received information about events in the U.S. concerning the two detained Asian American journalists in North Korea, Laura Ling and Euna Lee.

The two reporters were working for Current TV when they were captured along the Chinese-North Korea border.

Their trial is slated for June 4, and these events coincide with the trial.

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There are more vigils on June 3rd, which is June 4th in North Korea. The day the trial of Euna Lee and Laura Ling begins.

Date:
Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Time:
6:00pm – 8:00pm

Location:
3rd Street Promenade

City/Town:
Santa Monica, CA
Vigils will be in New York City, Los Angeles, Portland, Birmingham, Washington, D.C. and San Fran.

Lisa Ling is now an Admin on the Facebook group page:
“Detained In North Korea : Journalist Laura Ling and Euna Lee, please help.”

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=60755553149