North Korea has concluded an investigation of two detained American journalists, and they will stand trial, according to the nation’s state-run news service, KCNA.
“A competent organ of (North Korea) concluded the investigation into the journalists of the United States,” the news service reported Friday. “The organ formally decided to refer them to a trial on the basis of the confirmed crimes committed by them.” The two journalists, Laura Ling and Euna Lee, entered the country illegally and intended “hostile acts,” according to KCNA last month. The allegations “have been confirmed by evidence and their statements,” the news service reported. Preparations were being made to try the two “on the basis of the already-confirmed suspicions,” the report last month said. The two are allowed consular contact and their treatment was governed by international laws while the investigation was underway, according to KCNA. A Swedish diplomat was allowed to meet the journalists, the U.S. State Department said last month. The department said previously it had received information that the journalists were being well treated. Ling and Lee were taken into custody March 17 along the China-North Korea border. They are reporters for the San Francisco, California-based media outlet Current TV.
