Choi Chun-gil
Additional Name(s): 최춘길
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: North Korea
Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant
Sentence: Life Imprisonment
Date of Detainment: December//2014
Current Status: Unknown
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment
Reason for Persecution: Humanitarian Work & Charitable Activities Proselytizing Activities Religious Activity Religious Belief
Nature of Charges: Espionage Illegal Migration & Entry/Exit of Country Subversion
Choi Chun-gil
Extra Bio Info:
Choi Chun-gil is imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.
In December 2014, North Korean authorities reportedly arrested and forcibly disappeared Choi Chun-gil, a South Korean businessman and missionary involved in transporting religious and humanitarian goods for North Koreans, after he was allegedly lured into going to North Korea.
In March 2015, Choi Chun-gil was forced to confess his alleged crimes at a press conference. This was the first time authorities acknowledged having Choi Chun-gil in their detention.
In June 2015, it was reported that the Supreme Court had sentenced Choi Chun-gil to life imprisonment with labor for conspiracy to subvert the State (Art. 60 Criminal Code), espionage (Art. 64 Criminal Code), destruction and sabotage (Art. 65 Criminal Code), and illegal border crossing (Art. 221 Criminal Code).
Choi Chun-gil has had no contact with his family since his arrest.
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