Kuala Lumpur releases North Korean implicated in the murder of Kim Jong-nam

There is "strong evidence." Ri Jong-chol, 46, is a chemist. The day of the killing he brought four North Koreans to the airport. Malaysia has canceled visas for North Koreans.


 


Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews) - Malaysia today decided to release the North Korean man arrested in connection with the murder of Kim Jong-nam, brother of the dictator Kim Jong-un.

Ri Jong-chol, 46, was the only North Korean of eight suspects caught by the police, who would have in some way helped to poison of Kim Jong-nam with VX nerve agent at the airport in Kuala Lumpur on  February 13. Among those sought there is also an employee of the embassy of North Korea in Malaysia.

According to some news agencies, Ri Jong-chol, who has a degree in chemistry, brought four North Koreans to the airport in Kuala Lumpur on the day of the killing.

Justice Minister Mohamed Apandi Ali said that there was no "sufficient evidence" to charge him. And not having valid documents he will be deported to North Korea later today.

Two women, Vietnamese Doan Thi Huong, and Indonesian Siti Aisyah, accused of killing Kim by smearing the the toxic substance on his face remain under arrest. The two women claim they thought they were taking part in a television prank.

Malaysia has not accused Pyongyang officially, but there are many signs that indicate responsibilities related to North Korea. This has rejected all allegations, as well as evidence of the death by poisoning of Kim, saying that he died of "heart attack."

Yesterday, for security reasons, Malaysia has decreed the cancellation of free visa transfers for North Koreans.