Laura Ling, photo via journalismfestival.com

US reporters to be tried for illegal entry in North Korea

The BBC has reported that two US reporters held in North Korea earlier this month will be tried for illegal entry and “hostile acts”, reports Dan Wooding, founder of ASSIST Ministries.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said preparations were under way for indictments and a trial.

Euna Lee and Laura Ling were detained on March 17 on North Korea's border with China.

The journalists had traveled to China to report on North Korean refugees in northeastern China, according to Chun Ki Won, a Christian pastor in Seoul who helped arrange their trip, and Lee Hark Joon, a reporter with The Chosun Ilbo, South Korea's leading daily, who met them in Seoul.

“The move comes amid growing tension in the region ahead of North Korea's controversial satellite launch,” said the BBC story. “The North says the launch is part of its communications program, but the US fears this is a cover for testing long-range missile technology.

Confusion

“The illegal entry of US reporters into the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) and their suspected hostile acts have been confirmed by evidence and their statements,” the KCNA said.

It said “a competent organ... is carrying on its investigation and, at the same time, making a preparation for indicting them at a trial on the basis of the already confirmed suspicions.”

Euna Lee, a Korean-American, and Laura Ling, a Chinese-American, work for Current TV in California.

There is still some confusion as to exactly where the reporters were arrested.

South Korean television station YTN and unnamed diplomatic sources said that North Korean guards crossed the Tumen river into Chinese territory to arrest the journalists.

Pyongyang says the reporters crossed its border illegally.

SALE! 40% OFF! How to Be Happier 7 Days a Week

TAGS: North Korea US reporters illegal entry trial journalists border

[04/01/2009]

Print Version