Updated Jul 6, 2019 - World

North Korea releases Australian student after spying accusations

Rebecca Falconer

Kwangbok Street in Pyongyang. — Photo: Gerhard Joren/LightRocket via Getty Images

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed to parliament this week that Alek Sigley — the Aussie student who went missing and was allegedly held on reports of espionage — had safely left North Korea, AP reports.

What they're saying: North Korea claimed on Saturday that Sigley spread anti-Pyongyang propaganda and engaged in spying. A North Korean state news agency reported that Sigley was expelled out of "humanitarian leniency," says AP.

Sigley had reportedly shared information about North Korea on social media and on his travel agency's website.
Pyongyang’s official Korean Central News Agency explained that Sigley was caught “red-handed” on June 25, having “comb[ed]” through Pyongyang and furnishing news outlets with photos and data on domestic happenings in North Korea, per AP.

But, but, but: In a statement on NK News' website, CEO Chad O’Carroll called it a “misrepresentation” for North Korea to characterize Sigley's writing for the outlet as anti-state, AP reports.

Go deeper: How North Korea executes people

Add Axios on Google

North Korea releases Australian student after spying accusations

What to read next