North Korea Charges American for Leaving a Bible in Hotel Room

Thursday, July 3, 2014

By Joseph DeCaro

PYONGYANG, NORTH KOREA (Worthy News)-- North Korea plans to charge an American tourist for "perpetrating hostile acts" after he apparently left a Bible in his hotel room, according to The Independent.

American citizen Jeffrey Fowle was detained after visiting the communist country as part of a tour in April, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency. The decision to bring him to court came after investigations that "confirmed suspicions" about his acts.

Diplomatic sources said Fowle was detained for leaving a copy of the Bible in his hotel room and that he is to be investigated for acts "inconsistent with the purpose of a tourist visit".

Washington soon updated its travel warning to the "hermit kingdom".

"North Korea detained several U.S. citizens who were part of organized tours ... Do not assume that joining a group tour or use of a tour guide will prevent your arrest or detention by North Korean authorities."