American tourist faces death penalty in North Korea as government announces it will try him for plotting coup

  • Both the U.S. and North Korea are mum on details of Kenneth Bae's indictment, but Bae's friends and colleagues say he was on a Christian mission to feed orphans
  • Bae will likely be handed a harsh sentence, making him a valuable bargaining chip in negotiations with the United States and South Korea

|

North Korean said it will soon put on trial an American tourist they’ve accused of trying to overthrow the government.

After weeks war cries against the U.S. and South Korea, the indictment of Kenneth Bae broke a relative lull in threats and provocative acts by the rogue state.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea has expressed rage over U.N. sanctions over a February nuclear test and ongoing U.S.-South Korean military drills, though analysts say Pyongyang's motive is to get its Korean War foes to negotiate on its own terms.

Rogue: Led by Kim Jong Un, pictured, North Korea has indicted an American tourist on charges of plotting to overthrow the government

Rogue: Led by Kim Jong Un, pictured, North Korea has indicted an American tourist on charges of plotting to overthrow the government

Identified in North Korea’s state media by his Korean name, Pae Jun Ho, Bae is a tour operator of Korean descent who was arrested after arriving with a tour on Nov. 3 in Rason, a special economic zone bordering China and Russia.

He is the sixth American detained in North Korea since 2009. The other Americans were eventually deported or released after high-profile diplomatic interventions, including some involving former Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter. Analysts say the North will likely soon hand Bae a harsh punishment to use him as a bargaining chip in possible negotiations with the United States.

In 2009, American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee were arrested and sentenced to 12 years of hard labor for trespassing and unspecified hostile acts. They were freed later that year after former President Bill Clinton visited Pyongyang to negotiate their release.

Odd: The rogue state has lately made many unusual threats from its capital Pyongyang, pictured

Odd: The rogue state has lately made many unusual threats from its capital Pyongyang, pictured

Hereditary: Like his father Kim Jong Il, pictured, Kim Jong Un is likely using Bae as a bargaining chip with the U.S. and South Korea

Hereditary: Like his father Kim Jong Il, pictured, Kim Jong Un is likely using Bae as a bargaining chip with the U.S. and South Korea

‘The preliminary inquiry into crimes committed by American citizen Pae Jun Ho closed,’ the official Korean Central News Agency said in a brief report. ‘In the process of investigation he admitted that he committed crimes aimed to topple the DPRK with hostility toward it. His crimes were proved by evidence.’

Under North Korea's criminal code, terrorist acts include murdering, kidnapping and injuring the country's citizens can lead to a death sentence or life in jail.

North Korea and the United States fought the 1950-53 Korean War and still don't have diplomatic relations.

Token: In 2009, North Korea held two American journalists until former president Bill Clinton negotiated their release

Token: In 2009, North Korea held two American journalists until former president Bill Clinton negotiated their release

The Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang represents the United States.

KCNA didn't say when Bae's trial will take place or what the charges were.

North Korea's state media and the U.S. government have made little information about Bae public.

But his friends, colleagues and South Korean activists specializing in North Korea affairs said Bae is a Christian missionary based in a Chinese border town who frequently made trips to North Korea to feed orphans there. It is not known whether he tried to evangelize while in North Korea.

Officially, North Korea guarantees freedom of religion. In practice, authorities crack down on Christians, who are seen as Western-influenced threats to the government. The distribution of Bibles and secret prayer services can mean banishment to a labor camp or execution, defectors from the country have said.

 

The comments below have not been moderated.

Americans are so stupid. Surely NKorea. Is the last place to visit , for anyone, but especially fir Americans !

Click to rate     Rating   1

One Marine sniper could put an end to this little man and his incessant tantrums.

Click to rate     Rating   1

Let me put it another way! He needs removing for the good of his own people and the rest of the world.

Click to rate     Rating   (0)

If there is evidence then one must respect the Law in NK

Click to rate     Rating   (0)

While I admire the courage of those who go to NK to conduct humanitarian work, there should also be an understanding of the risks and that if you end up under their thumb, you can't expect the world to come to your rescue.

Click to rate     Rating   2

Hey "Great Little Leader" Kim Jong Un, touch one hair on Kenneth Bae's and you will feel the wrath of the USA. Have any doubts, ask Sadam.

Click to rate     Rating   8

Oh great, do we have to send Billy Jeff again?

Click to rate     Rating   2

What, no hungry people in America?

Click to rate     Rating   3

Cameron, would have caved in weeks ago,

Click to rate     Rating   (0)

Kim, wants to eat him.

Click to rate     Rating   5

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

You have 1000 characters left.
Libellous and abusive comments are not allowed. Please read our House Rules.
For information about privacy and cookies please read our Privacy Policy.
Terms