N. Korea restricts journalists' trial

PYONGYANG, North Korea, June 4 (UPI) -- North Korean officials have banned observers from the espionage trial of two U.S. journalists, officials said.

The reporters were detained while covering the plight of North Korean defectors living along the China-North Korea border.

Ian Kelly, a U.S. State Department spokesman, said American diplomats were informed by the Swedish ambassador to North Korea that no observers are allowed, CNN reported.

Sweden represents the United States in North Korea, because the two countries have no diplomatic relations.

Kelly said the State Department was told the reporters have a defense attorney.

Journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee were taken into custody March 17 on espionage charges. North Korean officials said the reporters entered the country illegally, accused them of hostile acts and charged them with spying.

If convicted, the women could face 10 years in labor camps, CNN reported.