Christopher Ahn, a former U.S. Marine and member of the activist group Cheollima Civil Defense, is facing threats following his involvement in a raid on the North Korean embassy in Madrid in February 2019. In a recent interview with CBS’ “60 Minutes,” Ahn disclosed that he is now considered an assassination target by North Korea’s regime, confirmed by warnings from the FBI.
The embassy raid, which occurred days before a significant diplomatic meeting between then-President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, was aimed at assisting the defection of North Korean diplomats, according to Ahn. He vehemently denies allegations that during the raid, his group assaulted embassy staff, as claimed by North Korea’s acting ambassador.
Ahn’s legal troubles have escalated as he fights extradition to Spain, where he is wanted on charges stemming from the embassy incident. He spent 87 days in jail before being released on bail. His attorney, Naeun Rim, has suggested that intervention by U.S. President Joe Biden or Secretary of State Tony Blinken could prevent his extradition, though no immediate responses from their offices have been received.
The case has caught significant public and media attention due to its unusual nature and the implications of international law and diplomatic relations. Ahn also highlighted his previous involvement in helping Kim Han Sol, the nephew of Kim Jong-un, escape from North Korea after his father’s assassination in Malaysia in 2017. According to Ahn, this has further placed him in the crosshairs of the North Korean government, intensifying the threats against his life.
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