Pyongyang, Dec 16 (IANS): A South Korea-born Canadian pastor was sentenced to lifetime labour for subversion, the Supreme Court of North Korea announced on Wednesday.
Seoul-born Hyeon Soo Lim, 60, was accused of trying to overthrow North Korean government and undermining its social system through conducting religious activities over the past 18 years, Xinhua reported.
The court announced that Lim was guilty of joining the US and South Korea in anti-North Korea human rights "racket" and fabricating and circulating false propaganda materials tarnishing the country's image.
He was also accused of funding and helping "defectors" to escape from Pyongyang. He is said to have talked to US ambassador to Mongolia on plans to get "defectors" out via Mongolia.
Lim confessed to all the crimes and showed deep remorse, according to the court.