N. Korea sentences American to 15 years hard labor
- 11 years ago
American Kevin Bae has been sentenced to 15 years hard labor by North Korea for what is described as crimes against the state.
Washington is urging Pyongyang grant amnesty to the 44-year old Seattle area resident.
U.S. State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell.
SOUNDBITE: U.S. State Department spokesperson Patrick Ventrell saying:
"There is no greater priority for us than the welfare and safety of U.S. citizens abroad and we urge the DPRK authorities to grant Mr. Bae amnesty and immediate release. There hasn't been any transparency in the case so while some of the facts are limited, to our knowledge we don't know all the facts, we are concerned that, broadly speaking, about the transparency and due process in North Korea and we think he should be released."
Berea's sentencing comes after two months of sabre-rattling by Pyongyang that saw North Korea threaten both the United States and South Korea with nuclear war.
Washington is urging Pyongyang grant amnesty to the 44-year old Seattle area resident.
U.S. State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell.
SOUNDBITE: U.S. State Department spokesperson Patrick Ventrell saying:
"There is no greater priority for us than the welfare and safety of U.S. citizens abroad and we urge the DPRK authorities to grant Mr. Bae amnesty and immediate release. There hasn't been any transparency in the case so while some of the facts are limited, to our knowledge we don't know all the facts, we are concerned that, broadly speaking, about the transparency and due process in North Korea and we think he should be released."
Berea's sentencing comes after two months of sabre-rattling by Pyongyang that saw North Korea threaten both the United States and South Korea with nuclear war.