Last night I unexpectedly encountered this scene under Washington Square Park's arch. Something important was obviously afoot with the small crowd standing in the rain and speakers making statements from a small impromptu stage. Major networks were present filming and conducting interviews.
The flyers, speakers, posters and sign "Free Laura and Euna" quickly illuminated the reason for the gathering. This was New York City's vigil to bring attention to two American journalist who have been detained in North Korea since March 17, 2009 and stand trial today, June 4th.
The two journalists, Chinese American Laura Ling and Korean American Euna Lee, were captured by the North Korean government and charged with illegal entry of North Korea with "hostile intent." Working for Current TV (a network co-founded by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore), the women had entered China to interview North Korean refugees along the Tumen River, separating China and North Korea. Little is known about the precise details regarding their activities and alleged crossing into North Korea - the two women have been in solitary confinement since their arrest and have not been permitted contact with the outside world.
If convicted, they face up to 10 years in prison doing hard labor. Some say North Korea will use the women's release as a bargaining chip. The incident is particularly frightening as North Korean prisons have a reputation for torture and brutal treatment of inmates. Families, friends, government officials and the public remain hopeful for the release of Laura and Euna Lee and their return to the United States ...
3 comments:
Laura Ling is the sister of actress Lucy Ling. I say her and her parents on Larry King the other night talking about it. It sounded like they crossed into North Korea without knowing it and were arrested.
Let us hope that they can get back home safely.
I'm glad people are still thinking of them, praying for them, and hopefully there will be some way we can get them home safely without giving N.Korea too much satisfaction.
Shawna's Study Abroad
It's the second time today I've read about these two women: Laura Ling and Euna Lee. One can only hope their trial goes well and they are returned safely to family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with them.
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