The Chron reports that about 100 friends and supporters of Current TV reporters Laura Ling and Euna Lee gathered on the steps of San Francisco City Hall on Wednesday evening to call for their release by North Korea. The women are reporters for Current TV, the San Francisco-based network and Web operation that was co-founded by Al Gore. They were arrested by guards on North Korea’s northeastern border and are to go on trial today (Thursday).

The Chron noted that there was a significant amount of media attention at the rally – one of at least nine nationwide – which was covered by many local TV stations and print publications.

Laura Ling is the sister of former “The View” panelist Lisa Ling, who has been on talk shows this week appealing for her sister’s release. Brenna Hamilton of San Francisco, a friend of Lisa Ling’s, read a statement from her that read in part, “They set out to tell the world a story, one that will be untold, at least for now. I know what Laura and Euna were trying to do is give people a voice, and in doing so their voices were silenced. In being here tonight, you are giving them a voice.”

PHOTO: Journalism colleague Ariel Lustig (left) stands with a candle during the vigil for the reporters outside San Francisco City Hall. (Credit: Brant Ward, The Chronicle)