North Korea Releases American Prisoners
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iStock/Thinkstock(PYONGYANG, North Korea) — Americans Kenneth Bae and Matthew Todd Miller have been released from North Korea and are on their way back to the United States.
According to U.S. officials, Bae and Miller are being accompanied by Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. The deal was brokered by a White House official.
Bae is a Korean-American missionary from Washington State who was sentenced to 15 years in prison for alleged anti-government acts. Miller, who is from California, was serving six years on charges of espionage and entering the country illegally. Bae had been held for two years and Miller was in captivity for seven months.
The State Department said in a statement, “The safety and welfare of U.S. citizens abroad is the Department of State’s highest priority, and the United States has long called on DPRK authorities to release these individuals on humanitarian grounds. We join their families and friends in welcoming them home.”
In response to a shouted question at Loretta Lynch’s Attorney General nomination Saturday, President Obama said, “I think it’s a wonderful day for them and their families. Obviously we are very grateful for their safe return, and I appreciate Director Clapper doing a great job on what was obviously a challenging mission.”
On Twitter Saturday, a group fighting for Bae’s release thanked those who helped secure his freedom, writing, “The news IS real. We have been contacted and #KennethBae is now free. PRAISE GOD, and thanks to all who helped us #FreeKennethNow”
Bae and Miller were the last known Americans held by North Korea. A third American, Jeffrey Fowle, was unexpectedly released in October.
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