Imprisoned Christian Kenneth Bae Moved To North Korean Labor Camp
Imprisoned American missionary Kenneth Bae has reportedly been transferred from a hospital to a North Korean labor camp, despite concerns for his failing health.
A U.S. State Department official said in an email to Voice of America that Bae had been transferred to the labor camp after being discharged from a hospital on July 30. He reportedly suffers severe lung and liver ailments.
"We remain gravely concerned about Bae's health, and we continue to urge [North Korean] authorities to grant Bae special amnesty and immediate release on humanitarian grounds," the email read.
News of Bae's transfer comes after a North Korean-sponsored newspaper published an alleged interview with Bae in late July, saying the American Christian's health was failing and that he had lost faith in the U.S. government. Critics suspect the interview was conducted by North Korea in an attempt to use Bae as leverage in negotiation talks with the U.S.
Bae's sister, Terri Chung, has repeatedly expressed her desire to see her brother freed from North Korea imprisonment, citing his ongoing health concerns. Following Bae's interview with the North Korean newspaper, Chung said: "After months of silence, it is devastating to hear Kenneth talk about 'feeling abandoned by the United States government," adding that she and Bae's other relatives are concerned that the imprisoned missionary "is enduring very difficult conditions."
Bae, who ran a tour company that went from China to North Korea, was arrested and charged with 15 years hard labor for allegedly trying to undermine North Korea's government security, although it is widely accepted that Bae was in fact arrested for his Christian missionary work in the country.
