Americans Detained in North Korea Speak Out to CNN
September 1st, 2014
08:08 AM ET

Americans Detained in North Korea Speak Out to CNN

Three Americans detained in North Korea spoke out about their conditions Monday in an exclusive TV interview with CNN.

Kenneth Bae, Matthew Todd Miller and Jeffrey Edward Fowle met with CNN's Will Ripley at a hotel in Pyongyang. Each was given five minutes for an interview.

Bae, who is serving a 15-year prison sentence for "hostile acts to bring down its government," said he is working eight hours a day, six days a week at a labor camp.

North Korea claims Bae was part of a Christian plot to overthrow the regime.

"Continue to pray for me," he asked of his friends and family.

Despite what he called "hard labor," Bae said he has been treated "as humanely as possible."

Miller, who is accused of tearing up his tourist visa and seeking asylum upon entry, pleaded for help from the U.S. government during his interview.

"My situation is very urgent, that very soon I am going to trial, and I would directly be sent to prison," Miller said.

He said he will not learn of his charges until he goes to trial.

And Fowle, an American tourist accused of leaving a Bible in a hotel where he was staying, said he has "no complaints" about his treatment.

"It's been very good so far, and I hope and pray that it continues, while I'm here two more days or two more decades," he said.

All three men said they signed statements admitting their guilt.

MORE on CNN.com.

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September 1st, 2014
07:34 AM ET

"Morning Minute" with Michaela Pereira – September 1, 2014

Need to get today's top stories on-the-go? Watch Michaela Pereira's morning minute now!

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Five Things to Know for Your New Day – Monday, September 1
Michael Sam did not make the St. Louis Rams' final 53-man roster.
September 1st, 2014
01:05 AM ET

Five Things to Know for Your New Day – Monday, September 1

The KKK is stepping up its recruitment efforts.  The St. Louis Rams drop Michael Sam. And a U.S. lawmaker seeks to arm Ukrainian troops.

It's Monday, and here are the "5 things to know for your New Day."

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