Hostile acts by US Pair in North Korea

Two American men will be put on trial in North Korea for “committing hostile acts” against the country.

12:03 30 June 2014

According to North Korea’s state news agency, KCNA, the country is set to put two detained American men on trial after investigations have confirmed suspicions that 56-year-old Jeffrey Edward Fowle and 24-year-old Todd Miller have planned hostile acts during their visit. The report added that the crimes were confirmed through an examination of evidence and through testimonies given by the two men. 

 

Other details of the crimes and the date when the trial will begin are yet to be announced. 

 

Mr Fowle from Ohio arrived in the country on April 29 on a tourist visa. According to diplomatic resources, he was detained after he left a bible in his hotel room. However, his family told reporters in Ohio that he was not on a mission for his church. 

 

Another American, Kenneth Bae, was also charged and convicted in North Korea of crimes against the state. He was sentenced to 15 years hard labour. And although the United States have tried several times to secure his release, he remains in the country despite his failing health. 

 

Because of this, the US State Department changed it travel advice to US citizens warning against all travel to North Korea in May. 

 

"US citizen tourists have been subject to arbitrary arrest and long-term detention," the State Department warning says.

 

"North Korean authorities have arrested US citizens who entered the DPRK legally on valid DPRK visas as well as US citizens who accidentally crossed into DPRK territory.

 

"Do not assume that joining a group tour or use of a tour guide will prevent your arrest or detention by North Korean authorities.

 

"Efforts by private tour operators to prevent or resolve past detentions of US citizens in the DPRK have not succeeded in gaining their release."