What’s that you say? Bill Clinton, not Bill Richardson? Oh. So much for that idea.

More than two weeks ago, SFR filed a public records request with Gov. Bill Richardson’s office with the purpose of investigating the extent to which Richardson has been involved in negotiations with North Korea regarding journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee. The video journalists are imprisoned in North Korea and facing 12 years of hard labor on charges of illegal entry and unspecified “hostile acts.”

The reason for the request: For all the speculation that Richardson might be tapped to negotiate their release, they could just be rumors or political exaggeration. Plus, after the NY Times’ blackout of coverage of David Rohde’s kidnapping, it’s important for the press to watchdog itself.

In addition, SFR requested all documents and e-mails related to interviews with the national media on the issue. The reason: We wanted to ascertain to what extent taxpayer resources were used to facilitate media appearances on non-New Mexican issues.

The Governor’s office flatly rejected the entire public records request. Here is the text of the text of the letter (and here’s the pdf).

Dear Mr. Maass:

I write in response to your Inspection of Public Records Request dated June 30, 2009. In that request, you asked for “all emails, letters and other correspondence regarding journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling, including requests from national media to comment on the journalists.”

We are unable to provide records to you at this time based on the countervailing public policy exception. The documents you requested to inspect are related to an on-going and very sensitive international matter. Disclosure at this time could possibly jeopardize continued diplomatic efforts to secure the safe release of the two journalists.

Sincerely

Marcie Maestas

Records Custodian

I understand the argument for confidentiality to ensure the journalists’ safety–but will someone explain to me: a) Why is it OK for him to speculate about it publicly on Rachel Maddow if it’s so sensitive? and b) Why is it crucial that his communication with the media remain confidential?

As speculation intensifies that Pres. Barack Obama will dispatch Gov. Bill Richardson to North Korea to negotiate the release of imprisoned journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling, the coordinator of a Santa Fe-based prisoner rights organization is criticizing the media attention given to what she considers the reporters’ “short” sentences.

“I find it very ironic that so many people have expressed dismay at the 12-year sentences that two women reporters who have been convicted by North Korea have gotten,” Coalition for Prisoner Rights Coordinator Mara Taub tells SFR. “I mean, that is a SHORT sentence in the United States.”

Lee and Ling were found guilty of illegally breaching the North Korean border with China. The North Korean Central Court sentenced the two Current TV journalists on Monday to 12 years in a labor camp, a fate that some believe is nothing short of fatal. Nevertheless, Taub says it’s hypocritical for the US media to focus on this case while ignoring problems with the domestic prison system.

“There are all kinds of people who, for convictions for non-violent crimes, are doing way more than 12 years,” Taub says. “So, why do we only care about whathappens far away? Why don’t we care what’s happening right here? That goes not only for length of sentence, but also prison conditions and also torture.”