Kim Jong-nam death: North Korean detainee to be released

The North Korean man being held by Malaysia in connection with the death of Kim Jong-nam is to be released and deported, say Malaysian officials.

Attorney General Mohamed Apandi Ali said Ri Jong Chol was “a free man” as there was “insufficient evidence to charge him”.

The estranged half-brother of North Korea’s leader died on 13 February – he was poisoned with VX nerve agent.

Two women were charged with his murder on Wednesday.

Malaysia is hunting several North Koreans, including an embassy official, suspected of being involved in the murder.

• Who in North Korea could organise a VX murder?
• Why use VX to kill Kim Jong-nam?
• Kim Jong-nam: North Korea’s critic in exile

Also on Thursday, Malaysia announced it was ending visa-free travel for North Koreans citing security reasons.

North Koreans can currently visit Malaysia for up to 30 days without securing a visa, under a reciprocal deal.

But Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has said that is changing as of Monday 6 March, the Bernama state news agency reports.

BBC