North Korea: Brother of Christian on Death Row Pleas for His Release
Jul 24 2007
Postings >> North Korea

The brother of a North Korean Christian on death row for his faith has made an impassioned plea for help to secure his release.

Son Jong Nam, a former army captain, has now been in captivity for more than 560 days after being charged with being a 'national traitor' and 'receiving Christianity'.

His younger brother Son Jong Hoon travelled to Washington to make a public address on July 12 about his brother's plight. He was supported by RI partner The Voice of the Martyrs USA and by US senator Sam Brownback. 'He is a brave and good man,' Son Jong Hoon told a press conference. 'Please help my brother.'

Son Jong Nam, who is in his late-40s, became a Christian when he first defected from North Korea to China in 1997 with his wife, son and brother (as reported in 7x7 June 6, 2006). Some reports suggest his wife died in China of complications in pregnancy as a result of being beaten by the authorities in North Korea. While his brother managed to reach South Korea, Son Jong Nam was captured, repatriated and jailed for three years.

When he was released on parole in May 2004 -- thanks, apparently, to 'influential contacts' -- he met up with his brother in China but later returned home. Back in North Korea, he was arrested in January 2006, on the basis of intelligence supplied by the secret service. Soon afterwards, he was sentenced to death.

It's not known whether he is alive or dead -- but his execution has not been announced.

Act:

• Write a polite letter to the North Korean mission at the United Nations in Geneva, expressing concern for Son Jong Nam. Write to His Excellency Mr Ri Tcheul (Ambassador and Permanent Representative), Chemin de Plonjon 1, 1207 Geneva. Please do not mention Release International in your letter.

Pray:

• Pray for God's peace to rest with the family of Son Jong Nam: they don't know if he is alive or not. Thank God that He knows -- and will watch over His child.
• Pray that RI supporters' letters will have an impact and help bring some clarity to the situation.