LOS ANGELES, California (BNO NEWS) – California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the sentencing of two California journalists to 12 years of labor prison by North Korea’s Central Court:

“Maria and I were saddened to learn of the sentencing of Laura Ling and Euna Lee. In addition to sending them our deepest thoughts and prayers, California stands ready to offer any resources and assistance the federal government may need to bring these two journalists home safely. Journalism is a vital part of freedom and democracy, and we are all indebted to the men and women who risk their lives around the world to dig beneath the surface to uncover the real stories. We must work to ensure the safety of journalists who search for the truth in parts of the world where the press does not enjoy the freedom it deserves.”