Release International

Protestors have gathered in London, Seoul and Washington DC to protest against the death sentence hanging over a North Korean man, Son Jong Nam.

As we reported in the 7x7 Special Prayer Alert of April 26, Son Jong Nam is due to be publicly executed for 'betraying his country' and sharing information with South Koreans. The charges appear to be based on Mr Son's visit to China to see his brother and, possibly, on the fact he is a Christian. Mr Son is believed to be in the basement of the National Security Agency in Pyongyang, 'practically dead from horrible torture'. It is known that Christian detainees often receive worse treatment than others.

This is the first time that the international community has appealed against the execution of a named individual in North Korea. The outcry has been led by his brother Son Jong Hoon, who insists: 'I only talked to him about how my siblings were doing and what North Koreans think of the Kim Jong Il regime. He shouldn't be executed for the crime of betrayal or espionage.'

Mr Son defected from North Korea with his wife, son and brother in 1997, and began a new life in China where he became a Christian. His brother reached South Korea five years later but Mr Son was repatriated. After three years in a North Korean prison camp, he made an 'illegal' visit to China, but he was betrayed by those who arranged his trip and arrested in January 2006.

Protestors outside the North Korean Embassy in London on April 28 wore gags and observed a minute's silence for Mr Son. One protestor was bound to a tree with three strips of cloth, to evoke an execution scene: the cloth around his head was symbolically blood-stained. Songwriter Graham Kendrick led singing, and prayers were said in Korean and English. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) organised the demonstration.

A letter protesting against Mr Son's sentence and North Korea's violations of international law was delivered to the embassy. In South Korea, Son Jong Hoon presented a similar petition to the National Human Rights Commission. And in Washington, a rally was held on Capitol Hill.

It is not known when Mr Son's execution is due to take place -- but it is thought to be imminent.

• Pray for Son Jong Nam, who has endured terrible torture at the hands of the Pyongyang regime and who now faces public execution. Thank God that he has accept Christ as Lord and pray that God will comfort him now.
• Pray too for Mr Son's family as they lobby for his release.

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