North Korea Releases Canadian Pastor | WPN World People News

North Korea has released a Canadian pastor who had been serving a life sentence since 2015 over allegations of crimes against the state, North Korean state media reported.

Hyeon Soo Lim was freed from prison on “sick bail” after a Canadian delegation traveled to Pyongyang on his behalf, according to the official Korean Central News Agency.

Lim, a Christian missionary operating in North Korea, was accused of committing subversive acts against the North Korean government, but the Canadian government denies those claims.

The Canadian delegation, led by National Security Adviser Daniel Jean, landed in Pyongyang Tuesday to discuss Lim’s case.

"Pastor Lim's health and well-being remain of utmost importance to the government of Canada as we continue to engage on this case," Cameron Ahmad, a spokesman for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, said prior to Lim’s release.

Prior to his arrest, Lim, who is in his 60s, had visited North Korea dozens of times to work with orphanages and nursing homes. He was on a humanitarian mission when he was detained.

Source: Voice of America