Gov. Schwarzenegger Calls for Release of Journalists

Gov. Schwarzenegger Calls for Release
Copyright 2009 Bill Pugliano / Getty Images
Calif. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is calling for the release of two California journalists, one of them being the sister of reporter and former "The View" co-host Lisa Ling. Read on for details …

 

Gov. Schwarzenegger released the following statement about Laura Ling and Euna Lee, who were sentenced to 12 years of labor prison by North Korea's Central Court:

"Maria [Shriver] and I were saddened to learn of the sentencing of Laura Ling and Euna Lee. In addition to sending them our deepest thoughts and prayers, California stands ready to offer any resources and assistance the federal government may need to bring these two journalists home safely. Journalism is a vital part of freedom and democracy, and we are all indebted to the men and women who risk their lives around the world to dig beneath the surface to uncover the real stories. We must work to ensure the safety of journalists who search for the truth in parts of the world where the press does not enjoy the freedom it deserves."

The Central Court, the highest court of North Korea, held a trial for the two women from Thursday to Monday and convicted them of "committing hostilities against the Korean nation and illegal entry," the New York Times reports.

Published 6/8/09 by the Insider

Comments (6)

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  • hi here is my email if u care for my photos.
    ester.love30@yahoo.com
    esterloveu 6/12/09 Reply
  • Even if it is an illegal entry, they must be deported back to their own country and not sentenced them to labor prison for 12 years. This is too much
    Anonymous 6/9/09 Reply
  • this is a terriblestory
    ShanK 6/8/09 Reply
  • ...........
    NeverLetGo 6/8/09 Reply
  • This is such a sad story. I feel bad for their families, too! It seems that North Korea wants to use these journalist as some type of pawn to try to get what that want out of the United States!
    TreyH 6/8/09 Reply
  • It's nice to see Schwarzenegger speak out and request these journalists release. I hope they come home soon!!!
    Listing 6/8/09 Reply