Jul 9, 2009 10:08 am US/Eastern
Lisa Ling Pushes For Her Jailed Sister's Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (CBS) ―
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South Korean students hold the photos of the detained US journalists during a rally denouncing North Korea's trial of the US journalists in Seoul on June 9, 2009.
Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Images
Lisa Ling will lead a rally at the State Capitol for her sister Laura and colleague Euna Lee.
Laura Ling, a Fair Oaks native, and Euna Lee were on assignment in North Korea for Current TV when they were arrested in March.
They have since been convicted of "grave acts" and sentenced to 12 years in a labor camp.
Lisa Ling spoke with Good Day Sacramento this morning via Skype telling them she had just heard from her sister last night.
"We actually received a call from my sister quite unexpectedly last night and she reported that she and Euna seemed to be treated fairly but they're very, very stressed and concerned about being sent to a labor camp," explained Lisa.
Lisa says the biggest challenge they face is the lack of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and North Korea. That is why a rally is planned in Sacramento to help push some sort of diplomatic solution.
"The fate and lives of Laura and Euna are really at stake here," said Lisa.
Lisa says the situation has been surreal for her and her family as well as Euna's. She says it is difficult not hearing anything for days or weeks at a time about Laura.
"That silence has been so terrifying and deafening. So when I heard her voice last night I was so relieved but also I feel so helpless because as an older sister and a best friend who is a self-professed doer to not feel like I can do anything to bring her home," said Lisa
Lisa says she hopes many people will come out to the vigil planned for tomorrow on the west steps of the State Capitol at 6:30pm. Lisa and her family along with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and other lawmakers will also be there.
"I just want to convey my deepest thanks to everyone in Sacramento who has been so, so supportive of Laura and Euna. I write to my sister and tell her you would be so proud of your hometown when you get a chance to see how supportive they've been," said Lisa.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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