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Supporters signed postcards pressing for the release of two imprisoned U.S. journalists, whose photos are on candle holders. (Photo by Regina Ip)

In an effort to raise awareness about the two American journalists, Laura Ling and Euna Lee, imprisoned in North Korea, more than 100 supporters gathered for a peace vigil Thursday night at a Korean church in Clairemont Mesa.

The event included a candlelight vigil, speeches from Asian-American community leaders, San Diego politicians, and a screening of a documentary. Supporters were also asked to sign petitions to send to the U.S. Congress and write postcards to be sent to the U.N. ambassador of North Korea.

“This is a humanitarian cause,” said Lee Ann Kim, the event’s lead organizer and executive director of the San Diego Asian Film Foundation.

She said the goal is the safe return of the two journalists and to stray from the idea that it is a political issue.

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“As journalists ourselves, we can understand where they’re coming from and how hard they were working to expose the story and situation of North Korea,” said Jessica Chang, president of the Asian American Journalists Association San Diego chapter. “It is our duty as fellow journalists — and especially as Asian American journalists — to pay homage and to fight for their release and safe return.”

Lee and Ling were sentenced to 12 years in labor prison after illegally crossing into North Korea, according to the (North) Korean Central News Agency. The journalists were working on a story about human-trafficking for Current TV, an independent media company led by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore.

The event was organized by Kim, Chang, and Hoa Quach, SDNN’s political editor, who acted in a personal capacity. It was supported by 13 community organizations, including: San Diego Alliance for Asian Pacific Islander Americans, Activist San Diego, Korean American Institute for Human Rights, and Anti-Defamation League.

Local politicians attend

Politicians attending the event included San Diego City Councilmembers Donna Frye and Marti Emerald, and representatives from the offices of Rep. Susan Davis (D - District 53), Assemblymember Marty Block (D-San Diego), and Councilmember Carl DeMaio (District 5). Assemblymember Nathan Fletcher (R-San Diego) also recorded a video to show his support. Retired CBS news correspondent Gary Shepard, who has reported the Vietnam War, Iraq War and other major stories, spoke about his experiences in restricted countries.

“Don’t forget that we’re just messengers,” Shepard said. “We’re not creating the news. We’re just reporting about it. Let’s hope things get better. And let’s hope that these two women journalists who are now imprisoned in North Korea are very soon let go and come home.”

Emerald, who was a broadcast journalist for 30 years before entering politics, said journalists play an important role in exposing issues.

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“We are confronted with what represents a real-life crisis for journalists,” said Emerald. “Every year, journalists are imprisoned. They risk their lives and they give their lives in the duty to which they’ve committed themselves: To gather information and informing the public.”

She also emphasized the roles that citizens should take.

“This is a commitment we need to make to one another, not just for these two women, but to protect the rights of journalists and citizens throughout the world,” she said as she held up a candle. “This is our opportunity. Let our voices be heard, and let’s let this light shine until these two shining lights are home free and safe.”

Lisa Ling spoke by phone

CNN correspondent Lisa Ling, sister of Laura Ling, spoke during the vigil by phone.

“We’ve all been devastated about it,” Ling said. “My sister is my best friend in the world and my mom literally sits next to the computer and trolls for information about the girls. It definitely has just been one of the most emotionally challenging things we’ve ever had to deal with, particularly because we don’t get any information.”

Because the U.S. and North Korea do not have a diplomatic relationship, the only way the two countries communicate is through neutral, third-party countries - in this case, it has been the Swedish government.

The Swedish ambassador visited the two journalists three times, for about 20 minutes each. The ambassador told Lisa Ling that the imprisoned women “look like they’re in decent health - they haven’t been harmed, but that they were very, very scared,” said Ling.

Since the June 8 verdict, the women’s families have been communicating daily with the U.S. state department by conference call. They are also sending letters and packages to the two women but do not know if they are receiving them.

Journalist’s experience

Kim, a former TV anchor, said the event, affected her personally as an Asian-American journalist.

“I understand journalists’ need and passion to uncover and share stories of the human experience,” she said. “I think it’s very important for all of us … and to become more engaged around the world.”

Documentary about North Korea

Because it was organized by SDAFF, the event also featured a short documentary that highlighted other struggles in North Korea.

It was directed by Jung-Eun Kim, who was filming in the same region of the North Korean border that the two women were reporting. “Shadows and Whispers” contains footage of North Korean children and refugees under the Socialist regime.

At the end of the film, Frye and other audience members had tears in their eyes.

“I think it is important not only for the San Diego community, but for all of America,” said Ericka Perryman, spokesperson for Fletcher. “This is a humanitarian [and] community priority for us”.

The event took place at Abundant Life Community, also known as the Korean United Methodist Church.

Vigils also took place recently in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York, promoted through social media tools like Facebook and Twitter.

Supporting organizations

— San Diego Asian Film Foundation

— Asian American Journalists Association of San Diego

— Anti-Defamation League

— Activist San Diego

— The Asian Business Association

— Filipino American Lawyers of San Diego

— Pan Asian Lawyers of San Diego

— Korean American Coalition

— Korean American Bar Association

— National Association of Asian American Professionals - San Diego

— House of China

— Korean American Institute for Human Rights (KAHIR)

— San Diego Alliance for Asian Pacific Islander Americans

Regina Ip is a contributing writer to SDNN.