Congresswoman Doris Matsui Urges Release of American Journalists in North Korea
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, June 8, 2009
CONTACT: Alexis Marks or Mara Lee
(202) 225-7163
Congresswoman Doris Matsui Urges Release of American Journalists in North KoreaCalls on President Obama, Secretary Clinton to Help Release Imprisoned Americans
In light of the news today that North Korean officials sentenced two American journalists, Laura Ling and Euna Lee, to twelve years of hard labor for allegedly entering the country without permission, Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-05) issued the following statement:
"I am saddened by the news that two young professionals have been sentenced so extremely for attempting to document the ongoing human trafficking along the North Korean border. I am particularly appalled by the unfair trial used to convict Laura Ling and Euna Lee in a country that has a well-documented contempt for basic human rights.
"Laura Ling is a native of the Sacramento area, and so this crisis is of particular concern to me and our entire community. My thoughts are with the Ling and Lee families in their time of need.
"Our nation cannot abandon these two young and accomplished journalists to an unjust fate. Today I sent a letter to President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urging them to explore the full range of options at the U.S. Government's disposal to free Laura Ling and Euna Lee, and I am hopeful that a coordinated effort from the United States will help end this unfortunate affair."
The letters can be viewed by clicking below.
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