Immediate Release of NKD Detained in China…

Member Edward Kennedy and member Sam Brownback of the U.S. Senate submitted resolution on 20th to release five North Korean defectors who were arrested by Chinese guards in Japanese Consulate General in Shenyang, immediately.

They also urged release of 14 NKD including children and Korean-American missionary Mr. Choi Joseph (47), who are detained in Yenben after being arrested by Chinese authorities, and asked them to let them continue their journey to South Korea.

Such resolution is scheduled to be submitted to the House of Representatives, too and if it passes both the Houses and Senate it becomes official opinion of Congress.

Two members pointed out in the resolution, “ it is known that people who are rejected asylum by China are sent to prison, tortured and, in many cases killed, after being repatriated to the North Korea” and “the U.S. government should discuss asylum of the North Korean people and their request for refuge”.

Ki-Heung Han eligius@donga.com