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Pyongyang Sentences South Koreans for Alleged Spying


One of the two men whom North Korea identified as being South Korean and accused of being a spy for South Korea bows during a news conference in Pyongyang, in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang, Mar
One of the two men whom North Korea identified as being South Korean and accused of being a spy for South Korea bows during a news conference in Pyongyang, in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang, Mar

North Korea has given sentences of life in prison with hard labor to two South Korean men it accused of spying for Seoul.

The North's state broadcaster on Tuesday said Kim Kuk Gi and Choe Chun Gil were found guilty of state subversion at a trial in Pyongyang.

Choe, who like Kim was arrested late last year, bowed deeply and appeared to cry as the judge read the sentence, according to state TV footage.

"This sentence is final and cannot be appealed," said the judge, whose name was not provided.

Last month, the detainees were allowed to speak with CNN. Both men told the television network they were spies for the South.

The South Korean government has denied the charge and demanded the immediate release of all South Koreans detained in the North.

North Korea has repeatedly detained foreigners. They are often forced to confess to various anti-state charges, including espionage.

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