American tourists detained in North Korea ask for help from U.S. government

American tourists detained in North Korea ask for help from U.S. government
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Three months ago, two American tourists were detained in North Korea after being charged with "anti-state" crimes. Now, the two men are asking for the U.S. government's help in avoiding prison sentences.

Matthew Todd Miller and Jeffrey Edward Fowle told the Associated Press that they were "in good health and were being treated well," but they are still awaiting a trial, for which a date has not been set.

"I don't know what the worst-case scenario would be, but I need help to extricate myself from this situation," Fowle told the AP. "I ask the government for help in that regard."

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According to North Korea, Miller and Fowle committed "hostile acts" while visiting the country, though North Korea has not publicized what, exactly, those acts are.

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Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.