Two Journalists in N. Korea Said to Be Pardoned

Christy Tennant — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 12:53:04 -0700

The North Korean leader, Kim Jong-il, pardoned two jailed American journalists, the official KCNA news agency has reported, according to Reuters. The report came after former President Bill Clinton met with the reclusive and ailing Mr. Kim in Pyonyang on Tuesday.

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N. Korea Sentences 2 U.S. Journalists to 12 Years of Hard Labor

Christy Tennant — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:55:24 -0700

I subscribe to the Larry King Live podcast, which I often watch on my iPhone during my commute. This is a helpful way for me to stay up to date on current events and people who are in the news. Last week, I learned of the arrest and imprisonment of two journalists when their families were guests on LKL to talk about the situation. Somehow, if it was covered in the news, I missed it. Since Friday, I've been thinking and praying for these two women - Laura Ling and Euna Lee - and hoping for their release.

Well, sadly, this morning I learned that they were not released. In fact, they have been sentenced to twelve years in a North Korean labor camp.

The type of investigative journalism these women were embarking on - at least, as their mission has been described in the news - is something that I have considered myself. This feels deeply personal to me, and I am sobered by this development. My heart goes out to the families, friends and colleagues of these two women, who are both about my age.

Please take a moment to join me in praying for their families, and for their release. If you feel so led, please also join me in praying that our two governments will engage in diplomacy to bring a peaceful outcome.