Malaysia issues arrest warrant for North Korean airline employee

(Baonghean.vn)- On March 3, the Malaysian police chief announced that the country had issued a wanted notice for an employee of North Korea's national airline in connection with the murder of Kim Jong-nam, the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

The arrest warrant was issued for Kim Uk Il, 37, who worked for North Korea's Air Koryo airline, according to police chief Khalid Abu Bakar. The move came after Malaysian police earlier in the day released Ri Jong Chol, the only North Korean arrested in connection with the murder of Kim Jong-nam.

Police officers patrol outside the forensic examination area at a hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo: AP

Police said Kim Uk Il arrived in Malaysia on January 29, about two weeks before Kim Jong Nam was assassinated with VX nerve agent at the international airport in the capital Kuala Lumpur.

However, Malaysian authorities did not say why the country wanted Kim Uk Il. Police believe he is still in Malaysia.

In addition, Mr. Bakar also said that Malaysia has increased security checks at all border checkpoints to arrest North Koreans involved in the above murder. Malaysian police have identified eight North Koreans wanted in this case. Mr. Bakar said that at least two of these subjects are believed to be still in Malaysia.

On the same day, Malaysian police chief Khalid Abu Bakar dismissed North Korea's claims that Kim Chol (the name on Kim Jong-nam's diplomatic passport) may have died of a heart attack.

Suspect Ri Jong Chol was released on March 3. Photo: AP

Malaysian experts have confirmed that Kim Chol died after two women accidentally smeared his face with what was later confirmed to be VX nerve agent. "We have experts qualified to determine the cause of Kim Chol's death. Our investigations and expert reports have confirmed that Kim Chol was murdered. North Korea can say whatever they want but the truth remains the truth," he said.

The reaction came after the official spokesman of the North Korean Embassy in Malaysia, Ri Tong-il, announced at a press conference today that Kim Chol died of a heart attack, diabetes and high blood pressure, not from poisoning.

Lan Ha

(According to AFP, AP)