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North Korea to formally indict detained US journalists

By Bernard Hibbitts (editor) and University of Pittsburgh School of Law students.

[JURIST] North Korean state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Friday that two US journalists arrested in March will stand trial. While the charges remain unclear, it is possible the journalists will face charges of espionage. According to the South Korea Ministry of Unification, espionage charges in North Korea carry at least a five year prison sentence in labor camps. There are concerns that North Korea will use the journalist as leverage in international negotiations as North Korean regime has been the subject of considerable international pressure over its refusal to fully disclose its past nuclear activity. US State Department spokesperson Robert Wood said Friday that, "we continue to call on the North Koreans to release the two Americans so they can be returned to their families. We'll continue to work this issue through diplomatic channels." The two journalists were detained in March 2008 while allegedly attempting to enter the country illegally from China. Laura Ling and Euna Lee were reporting on North Korean refugees in China for Current TV when they allegedly crossed the border. An investigation by North Korean officials allegedly concluded that the journalists had entered the country illegally and that there was enough evidence to charge them. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has reportedly been involved in talks regarding the reporters.

Full post as published by JURIST - The Paper Chase on April 24, 2009 (boomark / email).