Robert Park to Press Charges Against North Korea

This Friday afternoon, February 3rd, Robert Park, the former U.S. detainee who has become a tireless campaigner against human rights abuses being committed in North Korea, will hold a press conference in front of the Chinese embassy in Seoul, South Korea. At that time, he will formally announce his intention to press charges against the country for the torture he endured during his 43 days of captivity.

Filed under: Robert Park

The Second Disappearance of Robert Park

The last bit of real news about recent North Korean detainee Robert Park (December 25th, 2009 to February 5th, 2010) was a gruesome tidbit included in a March 8th report in The National newspaper by the always reliable Sunny Lee. Up until that point, rumors of Park having suffered some sort of sexual abuse or torture had focused on speculation that the actions were of a homosexual nature, but Seoul-based attorney and activist Jo Sung-rae painted a very different, no less horrifying picture.

Filed under: Aijalon Mahli Gomes, Robert Park

Third Time’s the Curse

Although there is good news of a sort today involving Boston-bred English teacher Aijalon Mahli Gomes, who was sentenced by North Korea on April 7th to eight years of hard labor and more than $700,000 U.S. in fines for illegally crossing into the country on January 25th, 2010, a small group of supporters continue to wonder why there has not been more of an outcry about his situation and a rallying of support. The main reason comes down, quite simply, to the timing of his actions.

Filed under: Aijalon Mahli Gomes, Robert Park

In Praise of an Imaginary Theme Park

Thanks to U.S. missionary Robert Park, North Koreans woke up Friday, February 5th to a new twist on old propaganda. We still live in the Happiest Place on Earth, crowed the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), but today we have an American’s words to prove it.

“I have never seen such kind and generous people,” gushes Park, who walked through the main gates of the Hermit Kingdom on Christmas Day. “Religious freedom is fully ensured… I’ve learned that in the DPRK people can read and believe whatever they want, whenever they want, wherever they want… The DPRK respects the rights of all the people and guarantees their freedom and they enjoy a happy and stable life.”

Filed under: Commentary, Robert Park

Robert Park’s Misguided Criticism

In an interview given to @Reuters by Robert Park shortly before he wandered across the North Korean border on Christmas Day (video of interview here), the Tucson, AZ Christian activist – who had previously been ministering to Hermit Kingdom refugees along the Chinese border – had harsh words for Laura Ling and Euna Lee.

Filed under: Euna Lee, Laura Ling, Robert Park