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The vigil was filled with emotion, song, and prayers. There
were also personal anecdotes about Ling and Lee from friends and coworkers,
people just barely getting their minds wrapped around the idea of what has
happened to these young women. Local politicians ensured that they would keep
pressure on
Human rights and press freedom groups also pledged their support. I reiterated
CPJ's call that the reporters be allowed regular contact with the outside world
and be guaranteed transparent legal proceedings. As a journalist who has
reported abroad in dangerous places, there is no way to downplay the risks
these women assumed when they left
Speaking to the
Iain Clayton, Ling's husband, said that his 32-year-old wife sounded scared,
but added that he could tell that she was "trying her hardest to be strong for
us." Friday will mark the couple's fifth wedding anniversary.
Clayton also pleaded with the North Korean government to "show compassion" and
release the women, who are charged with hostile acts and illegally crossing the
border between
During the brief phone calls earlier this week, Lee and Ling told their
husbands that they are currently being held separately in a medical facility.
Lee, petite and slender, has reportedly lost some 15 pounds since her arrest,
while Ling suffers from an ulcer.
Last night's vigil was just one slice of the grassroots campaign to keep the
case of these two journalists alive.
Monica Campbell is a
freelance journalist and CPJ consultant.
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We are so happy of this outcome. Blessings to both families