TORONTO — A Canadian delegation is in North Korea to discuss a Canadian pastor imprisoned there for alleged anti-state activities.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's office confirmed the visit, and North Korean media said Trudeau's national security adviser, Daniel Jean, had arrived in Pyongyang on Tuesday.
Hyeon Soo Lim, a South Korean-born Canadian citizen in his 60s, was sentenced to life in prison in 2015 on charges of trying to use religion to destroy the North Korean system and helping U.S. and South Korean authorities lure and abduct North Korean citizens.
Trudeau's spokesman Cameron Ahmad said the government considered Lim's health of "utmost importance" but did not give more details about the delegation.
Lim pastored the Light Korean Presbyterian Church in Toronto. His supporters have said he was on a humanitarian mission to North Korea when he was detained.
Canada does not have diplomatic offices in Pyongyang and relies on Sweden to handle consular issues. Lim met with the Swedish ambassador at least twice this year and met Canadian officials in December.
The Associated Press
