North Korean ambassador denounces Malaysia’s investigation of Kim’s death
NORTH Korea’s top envoy in Kuala Lumpur has denounced Malaysia’s investigation into the apparent killing of the exiled half-brother of the country’s ruler.
Ambassador Kang Chol called the investigation politically motivated and demanded a joint probe into the death.
The comments from Mr Kang came amid rising tensions between North Korea and Malaysia over the death, with Malaysia recalling its ambassador to Pyongyang over what it called “baseless” allegations.
Kim Jong Nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korean ruler Kim Jong Un, died last week after apparently being poisoned in a Kuala Lumpur airport.
Security camera footage obtained by Japanese television appeared to show a careful and deliberate attack in which a woman comes up from behind him and holds something over his mouth.
Pyongyang demanded custody of Mr Kim’s body and strongly objected to an autopsy. The Malaysians not only went ahead but also conducted a second autopsy, saying the results of the first were inconclusive. Malaysian authorities said they were simply following procedures, but Mr Kang questioned their motives.
“The investigation by the Malaysian police is not for the clarification of the cause of the death and search for the suspect, but it is out of the political aim,” the ambassador said.
He referred to the dead man as Kim Chol, the name on the passport found with Kim Jong Nam.
Malaysia Prime Minister Najib Razak told reporters he has “absolute confidence” police and doctors have been “very objective” in their work.
Police investigating the killing have so far arrested four people carrying identity documents from North Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. Those arrested include two women allegedly seen approaching Mr Kim on February 13.