American journalists to be tried in N. Korea’s highest court
The two journalists, Laura Ling and Euna Lee, were arrested on March 17 at the border between North Korea and China. It is unclear exactly why they were arrested except for attempting legal entry and suspected hostile acts.
The Journal notes that they will be the first Americans tried in North Korea.
It is significant that the trial will be heard by the country’s top court, the Central Court. Because of that, the journalists will have no opportunity to appeal if they are convicted.
Ling and Lee were covering North Korean refugees for Current TV, a San Francisco based outlet founded by former Vice President Al Gore.
The journalists have not been allowed any contact with diplomats since March 30, an apparent violation of international human rights conventions.