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DPRK says US journalists will stand trial

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-03-31 13:54

Two American journalists detained for illegally intruded into the territory of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) two weeks ago will be indicted and tried, "their suspected hostile acts" already confirmed, report said Tuesday.

These undated file photos distributed by South Korea's Yonhap news agency on March 19, 2009, two American journalists Laura Ling, right, and Euna Lee are shown. [Agencies]

The Korean Central News Agency report did not say when a trial might take place but said preparations to indict the Americans were under way as the investigation continues.

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"The illegal entry of US reporters into the DPRK and their suspected hostile acts have been confirmed by evidence and their statements," the report said.

The report did not elaborate on what "hostile acts" the journalists allegedly committed.

Euna Lee and Laura Ling, reporters for former Vice President Al Gore's San Francisco-based Current TV media venture, were detained by border guards March 17.

Telephones were not answered at Current TV Monday afternoon and there was no response to messages. Ling's sister, Lisa Ling, a correspondent for National Geographic Channel's "Explorer," has declined to comment.

Pyongyang confirmed in a brief March 21 dispatch on KCNA that two Americans had been detained and were being investigated for "illegally intruding" into its territory.

A report in South Korea's JoongAng Ilbo newspaper March 22 said the two were undergoing "intense interrogation" at a military guesthouse in Pyongyang's outskirts for illegal entry and alleged espionage.

Conviction on charges of spying and illegally crossing the border could draw more than 20 years in prison for each under DPRK's criminal code.

KCNA said Tuesday that consular officials will be allowed contact with the detained reporters during the investigation. The suspects will be treated "according to the relevant international laws," it said.

Washington, which does not have diplomatic relations with Pyongyang, relies on the Swedish Embassy to represent the US.

A Swedish diplomat met with the journalists individually over the weekend, State Department spokesman Gordon Duguid said in Washington. Duguid provided no other details Monday about the journalists or the weekend visit, citing privacy concerns.

In Stockholm, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Cecilia Julin confirmed that the meetings took place but declined to provide any details.

The detentions come at a time of mounting tensions in the region as Pyongyang prepares to launch a rocket.

Pyongyang has declared it will send a satellite into space sometime between April 4 and 8, but the US, Japan and South Korea suspect the launch will be a test of the country's long-range missile technology.

The three countries have warned Pyongyang it risks sanctions by carrying out a launch prohibited under a UN Security Council resolution that bans it from ballistic activity.