Journalists in Jail

Two American journalists in North Korea have been in jail since the middle of March. The country convicted the two women to twelve years of hard labor. North Korea said that the Americans were spying, not reporting the news.

The trial took five days, and the decision came from the country's highest court. Therefore the decision cannot be changed. Nor can the decision be tried in a different court. The two Americans have no options, and will move to the prison camp within ten days.

However, most experts agree that the two reporters have now become important in negotiations with the US. North Korea can use the women for aid, for example. North Korea can also use the two reporters when discussing their recent nuclear tests.

Not much is known about the country's labor camps. However, harsh labor and frequent beatings are probably common.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. What do you know about North Korea? Please explain.
2. What do you think about North Korea? Please explain.
3. Do you think the journalists were really spying? Why/not?
4. What do you think will happen to the journalists?
5. Should journalists be able to report on anything freely?
6. Should reporters be put in jail for doing their job?

PHOTO CREDIT: koreatimes.com

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