An article on the Voice of America’s news site today has this to say about the plight of Aijalon Mahli Gomes:
Han Myung-sop is a South Korean lawyer with expertise in the North’s legal system. He says the large fine is a break with precedent.
He says North Korean law does not provide for any monetary punishments whatsoever. Such a concept, he says, is inconsistent with the North’s socialist system. Therefore, says Han, the fine imposed on Gomes can only be viewed as a ransom.
Han says the United States is in a quandary now, especially as it tries to enforce international economic sanctions related to North Korea’s nuclear program. Also, Han says if Washington pays the fine, this kind of situation is likely to repeat itself in the future.
This brings up a troubling point–Aijalon Gomes may find himself in between the proverbial rock and hard spot… the USA unwilling to pay ransom and the North Koreans unwilling to lose face (not to mention money) by dropping the fine. [Read more…] about $700,000 Fine or $700,000 Ransom?