|
 |
 |
|
Clinton: U.S. pursuing 'amnesty' for U.S. journalists in North Korea
-
07/11/09 10:46 AM ET
In what seems to be significant news that didn't get too much attention on Friday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton shifted the U.S.'s position with regard to the two American journalists imprisoned in North Korea.
Clinton said that the U.S. is now seeking "amnesty" for Laura Ling and Euna Lee, the two journalists who were arrested in March at the border on North Korea and China.
"The two journalists and their families have expressed great remorse for this incident, and I think everyone is very sorry that it happened," Clinton said Friday morning to State Department employees, according to the New York Times. "What we hope for now is that these two young women would be granted amnesty through the North Korean system and be allowed to return home to their families as soon as possible."
The administration's response to the conviction has largely taken place behind closed doors. Until these remarks, Clinton had said only they the state department is pursuing "all possible channels" to free the journalists.
Lee and Ling were reporting on refugees along the border when they were arrested. They were working for Current TV, former Vice President Al Gore's San Francisco based news organization.
The two journalists were tried in North Korea's highest court in June, meaning there was no possibility of an appeal. They were convicted and sentenced to two years in prison or labor camps.
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Clinton said that the U.S. is now seeking "amnesty" for Laura Ling and Euna Lee, the two journalists who were arrested in March at the border on North Korea and China.
"The two journalists and their families have expressed great remorse for this incident, and I think everyone is very sorry that it happened," Clinton said Friday morning to State Department employees, according to the New York Times. "What we hope for now is that these two young women would be granted amnesty through the North Korean system and be allowed to return home to their families as soon as possible."
The administration's response to the conviction has largely taken place behind closed doors. Until these remarks, Clinton had said only they the state department is pursuing "all possible channels" to free the journalists.
Lee and Ling were reporting on refugees along the border when they were arrested. They were working for Current TV, former Vice President Al Gore's San Francisco based news organization.
The two journalists were tried in North Korea's highest court in June, meaning there was no possibility of an appeal. They were convicted and sentenced to two years in prison or labor camps.
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Most Viewed RSS Feed »
