Panama releases DPRK sailors
(VOVworld) - Panamanian authorities have released 32 of the 35 sailors of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea detained since July after an undeclared cargo of arms was found on their ship.
North Korean vessel Chong Chon Gang is held at Manzanillo harbour in Colon, 90km from Panama City, on July 16, 2013. (photo: AFP) |
They have been transferred to the National Immigration System whose will decide to repatriate them to the DPRK or deport from Panama. The remaining three North Koreans -- the Chong Chon Gang vessel's captain, first officer and political secretary -- face trial on arms trafficking charges.
Chong Chon Gang vessel has been under temporary detention since July 2013. It was found carrying 240 tons of undeclared weapons, including two Soviet-era MiG-21 aircraft, air defense systems, missiles and command and control vehicles. Cuba said the weapons were obsolete Cuban arms being shipped to North Korea for refurbishment.