A gathering was held Thursday night in San Diego to show solidarity with two American journalists captured in North Korea and sentenced to 12 years hard labor.
"These women were there to expose the most inhumane situation in the world in that country. As journalists, that is their job. As Americans, we should care about what's happening in the darkest regions of the world," said LeeAnn Kim of the San Diego Asian Film Foundation.
The Abundant Life Community Church in Clairemont hosted the vigil for Euna Lee and Laura Ling. The U.S. journalists were sentenced by the top North Korean court last week for allegedly crossing into the country.
"I hope this gathering encourages North Korea to release those two reporters. After all, I think the bottom line is, we'll probably end up trading them for somebody," said reporter Gary Shepard.
They were in South Korea, reporting on North Korean refugees for Current TV, the channel created by former Vice President Al Gore.
During the vigil, Laura Ling's sister, journalist Lisa Ling, called into the church. She spoke about her family's efforts and hope for a safe return of both Laura and Euna Lee.
