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North Korea Confirms It's Holding 2 US Reporters

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 21, 2009 10:12 AM CDT

(Newser) – North Korea today confirmed it is detaining two American journalists on charges of “illegally intruding” into the communist nation, the New York Times reports. The reporters, both from Al Gore’s Current TV station, were reporting along the river border between China and Korea when they were apprehended. “A competent organ is now investigating the case,” said the North’s official news agency.

Hillary Clinton began working to free the journalists yesterday, though the arrests hadn’t been confirmed until now. The circumstances of the arrest are still unclear. South Korean journalists who met them say the Current TV crew were crossing the mostly dry or frozen river when Korean guards, who often stay hidden in bunkers along the border, grabbed them. The two men in the group struggled free and ran back to China, while the women—Laura Ling and Euna Lee—were captured.

In this Oct. 12, 2006, file photo, a North Korean soldier reacts to a photographer on a passing boat, on the waterfront at the North Korean town of Sinuiju.
In this Oct. 12, 2006, file photo, a North Korean soldier reacts to a photographer on a passing boat, on the waterfront at the North Korean town of Sinuiju.   (AP Photo/Greg Baker, File)
In this Oct. 9, 2006, file photo, two North Korean soldiers patrol on the Yalu river at the North Korean town of Sinuiju, opposite the Chinese border city of Dandon.
In this Oct. 9, 2006, file photo, two North Korean soldiers patrol on the Yalu river at the North Korean town of Sinuiju, opposite the Chinese border city of Dandon.   (AP Photo/Greg Baker, File)
These undated photo show American journalists Euna Lee, left, and Laura Ling.
These undated photo show American journalists Euna Lee, left, and Laura Ling.   (AP Photo/Yonhap)
Kim Jong Il, right, acknowledges the cheering participants during a meeting of active outpost soldiers of Korean People's Army in the plaza of the Kumsusan Memorial Palace in Pyongyang.
Kim Jong Il, right, acknowledges the cheering participants during a meeting of active outpost soldiers of Korean People's Army in the plaza of the Kumsusan Memorial Palace in Pyongyang.   (AP Photo/Korean Central News Agency via Korea News Service)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Forderon
Mar 23, 2009 11:52 AM CDT
Wow Laura Ling, Lisa Ling's sister? I remember watching Lisa Ling on Channel One news at school
Mad
Mar 21, 2009 7:05 AM CDT
If NK didn't have nukes, their antics would almost be amusing. These jack booted thugs spook me sometimes
 

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