Journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee
Great news! Imprisoned journalists Laura Ling (sister of fellow journalist Lisa Ling) and Euna Lee have officially been pardoned by North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il from their hard labor sentences. These ladies were on assignment documenting the trafficking of women along the China/North Korea border when they were arrested. They were captured and held as prisoners since March 17th for what the North Korean government deemed as “hostile acts” and even went to trial where they were sentenced to 12 years of hard labor. Just this week, former President Bill Clinton traveled to North Korea where he met with government officials and convinced them to release the women from their captivity. They could be going home as early as tonight!
No doubt both of their families are rejoicing in the news of their pardon. It was only weeks ago when I interviewed Lisa Ling about this unfortunate situation and she was trying to get the word out about her sister and Euna. Now they can find peace and heal together as a family. And good to know Bill still has the magic touch!
Click here to read the joint statement released by the Ling and Lee families.
Photo credit Care 2
[…] In a follow up to a previous story I reported on, freed journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee released their first statement on Current.com since being freed from a North Korean prison at the beginning of August. They describe in detail the events that lead up to their capture by North Korean officials, and of the the subject matter that they were trying to shed light on-the plight of North Korean defectors forced into human trafficking. Understandably so, the focus of the statement isn’t really about their time living as prisoners and the daily life of a women in a North Korean jail. The wounds are still fresh and will take time to heal. Here is their statement: […]