The following is the statement released by the families of Laura Ling and Euna Lee:
Family Statement
6/8/08
The families of Laura Ling and Euna Lee are shocked and devastated by the outcome their trial.
Laura and Euna are journalists who went to the China-North Korea border to do a job. We don’t know what really happened on March 17, but if they wandered across the border without permission, we apologize on their behalf and we are certain that they have also apologized.
We are very concerned about their mental state and wellbeing. Laura has a serious medical condition that is sure to be exacerbated by the drastic sentence. Euna has a 4-year-old daughter who is displaying signs of anguish over the absence of her mother. We believe that the three months they have already spent under arrest with little communication with their families is long enough.
We ask the Government of North Korea to show compassion and grant Laura and Euna clemency and allow them to return home to their families.
We remain hopeful that the governments of the United States and North Korea can come to an agreement that will result in the release of the girls.
