Photo: Irfan Khan/ Los Angeles Times
Two California journalists, newly freed from North Korea, shared an emotional reunion with family and friends at the Bob Hope Airport in Burbank this morning. After months of negotiations, Former President Bill Clinton was able to fly to North Korea yesterday and secure the release of 36-year-old Euna Lee and 32-year-old Laura Ling. In the photo above, Lee hugs husband Michael Saldate and daughter Hana and Ling greets her husband Iain Clayton.
On March 17, Lee and Ling were arrested near the North Korea-China border. In June, they were found guilty of crimes against North Korea and sentenced to 12 years of hard labor. Both are reporters for Current TV, a San Francisco based operation, co-founded by Former Vice-President Al Gore. The Ex-V.P. was among those in Burbank who welcomed the two journalists back home.
In her tearful remarks, Ling thanked everyone who helped arrange their release: “We could feel your love all the way in North Korea.” Also, President Obama says his administration is “extraordinarily relieved” that the two reporters are free.
More great photos of the homecoming on the Los Angeles Times website.
