American sentenced to 15 years hard labor in North Korea

An American citizen, detained in North Korea for six months, has been sentenced to 15 years of hard labor for "hostile acts" against the state: North Korea sentences American to 15 years' labor.

Kenneth Bae, a devout Christian and tour operator from Washington, was tried Tuesday by North Korea's highest court, accused of plotting to overthrow the government. Details on his supposed wrongdoings are extremely vague, but according to the state's official Korean Central News Agency, Bae was sentenced to "15 years of compulsory labor for this crime":

American accused of plotting to overthrow North Korea

In North Korea, an American tour operator is facing indictment on charges of plotting to overthrow the government: North Korea Expected to Indict American It Is Holding.

Kenneth Bae, an American born in South Korea, has been detained for nearly six months. Details are unsurprisingly vague, but Bae was reportedly traveling with a group of businessman from China to the North Korean special economic zone of Rason last November, when he was taken into custody.

According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency, the government had already finished its investigation, and Mr. Bae admitted his guilt to charges that could draw the death penalty: