Japanese news media are reporting
that North Korea has issued arrest warrants for four Japanese
NGO
workers.
The men have reportedly been named as suspects in the abduction
of North Korean citizens.
The North Korean Ministry of People's Security, announced on
27 March 2006 the issue of arrest warrants and notified the Japanese
government via diplomatic channels, demanding that the four be
handed over to North Korean custody.
The four are Kato Hiroshi and Noguchi
Takayuki of Life Funds
for North Korean Refugees, Yamada Fumiaki of the Society to Help
Returnees to North Korea, and Lee Yong Hwa of Rescue the North
Korean People! Urgent Action Network.
According to North Korean diplomatic sources, the arrest warrants
follow Japan's clampdown on the General Association of Korean
Residents
(Chongryon) in Japan.
Recently, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department began an
investigation into the suspected participation of a Chongryon
sub-organization in the abduction of Hara Tadaaki, a Japanese
citizen. The Police have also placed a former North Korean agent
on an internationally wanted list because of the abduction.
Read related stories on:
Kato's sudden disappearance, the
suspense, his treatment, and an
interview after he returned.
Noguchi's arrest,
his hurry-up Sunday trial and
his release after
8 months in a Chinese prison.
