Friday, August 27, 2010

Jimmy Carter Wins Release of American Held in North Korea


Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter is headed home from North Korea after securing the release of Aijalon Gomes. Former President Carter successfully negotiated a pardon for Gomes, an American teacher jailed in North Korea since January. Carter and Aijalon Gomes boarded a plane in Pyongyang and are expected to arrive in Boston later today, where Gomes will be reunited with his family.

Carter landed in North Korea on Wednesday on a private mission to negotiate Gomes' release. The 31 year old teacher was sentenced to eight years' hard labor after he was accused of crossing the border of North Korea illegally.

In Washington, officials welcomed the news of the teacher's release, and praised former President Jimmy Carter for embarking on the mission of mercy.

President Carter's humanitarian efforts in this case are another example of his continued dedication to promoting human rights and alleviating suffering.


1 comment:

Jean Sheldon said...

He is one of the few politicians I still respect and admire. Thanks for the post.