North Korea – detained journalists

US journalists to go on trial in North Korea

Article published on the 2009-04-24 Latest update 2009-04-24 09:02 TU

Euna Lee (L) and Laura Ling in undated handouts.
(Photo: Reuters/Handout)

The two US journalists detained in North Korea will stand trial, according to the state news agency, though the specific charges remain unclear. According to the official Korean Central News Agency, an investigation into Euna Lee and Laura Ling was completed by “a competent organ of the DPRK [North Korea]”.

"The organ formally decided to refer them to a trial on the basis of the confirmed crimes committed by them," said the agency.

State media announced earlier this month that the two would go on trial for "hostile acts" and illegally entering the country.

Lee and Ling, who work for Current TV in California, were detained on 17 March on the border with China, along the Tumen River, as they were working on a story about refugees fleeing North Korea.

The US does not have diplomatic relations with North Korea, so Swedish diplomats have been requesting access to the reports on behalf of Washington.