South Korean pastor arrested for missionary work in Russia
Baek Kwang-Soon, a South Korean pastor was detained in Russia on espionage charges after being found to have been working with North Korean fugitives in Vladivostok. According to Lee Seong Gu, head of the Global Love Rice Sharing Foundation, Baek had been doing missionary work and providing clothes, food, and the Gospel to Russian, Thai, and North Korean workers in need. Baek was arrested earlier this year by Russian law enforcement authorities, as reported by Russian state news agency Tass on Monday, March 11.
The Korean citizen is currently awaiting trial in the Moscow Lefortovo pre-trial detention centre. Baek's detention was extended until June 15 by the Lefortovo District Court after his first hearing on Monday. If found guilty of espionage under Article 276 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, the pastor could face up to 20 years in prison.
Baek Kwang-Soon's wife was also detained but has since been released and is now in South Korea.
The arrest of Pastor Baek marked the beginning of a comprehensive crackdown by the Russian government on all missionary activity aimed at helping North Koreans in Russia. This includes not only South Korean missionaries but also any efforts or aid from Russian church members towards North Korean citizens.
Sources: AP News, NK News, NZZ, FAZ
Image: Wiki Commons
