Well, a lot of the analysis I've read on this case since last night indicates that the sentencings might be a formality, and that there's still a chance the North might trade the two to the U.S. in return for some sort of concession.

Personally, I'm a bit skeptical. North Korea's main concern now is with building up legitimacy for Kim Jong-un's reign leadership reign, and refusing to repatriate two American citizens? Might be one way they plan on showing that they've got Colbert-sized balls. (o.o);;