Jeffrey Fowle of Dayton, Ohio, has been released by authorities in North Korea, according to the State Department. His release leaves two Americans in captivity in the country, Matthew Miller and Kenneth Bae.
Here’s what we know so far:
1. He Was Picked Up by the U.S. Air Force on October 21
The State Department announced that Fowle, 56, was released on October 21. He had been held as a prisoner in the country since May 7. Earlier on October 21, the Associated Press reported that one of its reporters saw a U.S. Air Force plane in Pyongyang Airport. There is no mention of the action on North Korea’s news agency website.
2. Fowle Was Accused of Leaving a Bible in a Night Club
(Getty)
He was charged with leaving a bible in a night club in the North Korean port city of Chongjin, reports the AP. This is a violation of the country’s strict anti-religion laws. Fowle admitted his guilt to the crime and apologized. His family however maintained that he was not on a religious mission.
3. In September, Fowle Spoke of His ‘Desperate Situation’
(Handout)
Fowle’s wife is a dual-Russian citizen, he had told CNN in an interview in September 2014 (above) that the Russian and Swedish governments were helping to free him. He speaks of his desperation in the interview and that he hoped either Bill Clinton or George W. Bush would speak out to help him. The AP report mentions the Swedish government as being instrumental in freeing Fowle. Since there are no diplomatic relations between North Korea and most Western nations, the Swedish embassy runs interference for many foreign governments.
4. He First Entered North Korea on April 29
American Matthew Todd Miller remains in captivity.
Fowle was in North Korea on a tourist visa, according to a Newsweek report. He arrived in the country on April 29.
5. Fowle Is From Miamisburg, Ohio
Jeffrey Fowle’s family. (Facebook)
Fowle worked in the Moraine City government in Ohio as an equipment operator. During the CNN interview, he expressed his fears that his work benefits, which were helping to feed his family, would run out. He lived in Miamisburg, in the Dayton-area of Ohio.
