The
global community must send a clear message to
Pyongyang that it
won't tolerate the callous decision to turn two innocent U.S. journalists into pawns in a geopolitical chess match.North Korean authorities have held Laura Ling and Euna Lee in
solitary confinement for nearly three months. The two have had limited contact with consular authorities and their families – including Lee's 4-year-old daughter.
The Obama administration has undertaken a full-court press in recent days, using every instrument in its diplomatic toolkit to persuade the North Korean government to release the journalists.
But other strategically important members of the global community need to step up if they are to be freed.China is our best hope of seeing Laura and Euna returned to safety.
Beijing exerts unmatched influence over the
North Korean regime as its staunchest ally, largest trading partner and most important supplier of food and energy.
2 China has succeeded in bringing Pyongyang to the
negotiating table, even when all other efforts have failed.
China's joining in the global chorus condemning North Korea's cruel actions could be the crucial step needed
to free these journalists.Lend your voice today to our call on China to intervene on behalf of Laura and Euna.We've pulled out all the stops over the past two days to find an email address to send your appeals to,
but China clearly doesn't want to hear what we have to say, and has shut off all publicly known addresses. But they don't understand that you and I, as members of Amnesty's global movement, don't give up so easily.Sincerely,
Jack Rendler
Country Specialist for North Korea