By Hyo-Jin Paik
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

SEOUL, South Korea – An American from Boston is to go on trial for illegally entering North Korea.

Aijalon Mahli Gomes, 30, had been teaching English in South Korea for several years. Acquaintances described him as a devout Christian who was dedicated to his students.

His family spokeswoman said that it is unclear why Gomes went to North Korea. 
However, activists in South Korea did comment that Gomes was an acquaintance of Robert Park, another American missionary who was detained and then released by North Korea last month.

Days after Park’s arrest, Gomes attended rallies calling for Park’s release where a Seoul-based activist said he saw Gomes weep.  Jo Sung-rae, a South Korean activist, said that Gomes contacted Jo about working in his rights group and met Park in Seoul last summer.

Jo said, “I felt [that] he may have gone to North Korea after being inspired by Robert Park.”

Although a trial date has not been set, Gomes is believed to be the fourth American North Korea said it detained back in January.  In addition to Gomes and Park, two American journalists, Laura Ling and Euna Lee, were arrested a year ago and sentenced to twelve years of hard labor.  However, the two journalists were freed after former U.S. President Bill Clinton made a high-profile humanitarian visit to North Korea and negotiated their release.

U.S. State Department Spokesman P.J. Crowley said on Tuesday that the United States had not been formally notified regarding charges against Gomes.  However, Crowley did say that Swedish diplomats have been in contact with Gomes.

North Korea’s announcement that Gomes is to go on trial also comes at a time when Pyongyang’s neighbors have been pressuring North Korea to rejoin international talks concerning dismantling of its nuclear weapons program.

Gomes’ family spokeswoman Thaleia Schlesinger said, “The family is praying for him and for his speedy return home.”
For more information, please see:

AP – US man held in NKorea rallied against Pyongyang – 25 March 2010

Guardian – North Korea to put US citizen on trial for illegal entry – 22 March 2010

USA Today – North Korea to try American on trespassing charge – 22 March 2010