Jailed American Appears Before Reporters In N. Korea

PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) — An American missionary who has been jailed in North Korea for more than a year has appeared before reporters and is appealing to the U.S. government to do its best to secure his release.

Kenneth Bae made the comments today at what he called a press conference held at his own request.

Bae was arrested in November 2012 while leading a tour group. He was accused of crimes against the state and sentenced to 15 years of hard labor. He was moved to a hospital last summer in poor health. He is the longest-serving American detainee in North Korea in recent years.

Bae expressed hope that the U.S. government will do its best to secure his release.

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