Kim Jong-nam, the half-brother of the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, was murdered on February 13. It was originally thought that Kim died of a heart attack, as he was rushed in an ambulance from an airport in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia after experience severe dizziness. He died within 15-20 minutes in the ambulance before reaching the hospital. Since his death, it has been discovered that Kim was poisoned and today, two women were charged for the murder; Doan Thi Huong, from Vietnam, and Siti Aisyah, from Indonesia.
The two women allegedly smeared a deadly VX nerve agent (an internationally banned chemical weapon) on Kim’s face at the airport on February 13th. Neither women have confessed guilt, claiming they thought they were taking part in a TV prank show. They explained how they were paid to smear what they thought was baby oil on Kim’s face. There are several other suspects, including the man who allegedly recruited and paid these two women. Four of the other suspects are believed to be North Korean spies.
There are many theories surrounding this murder, a largely supported one being that the North Korean government is responsible. It’s known that Kim Jong Un and his half-brother were not on good terms, in addition to Kim Jong-nam openly opposing the North Korean regime. The details of the case are still unfolding and it is not certain if the truth will ever be revealed. There are many suspected executions ordered by Kim Jong Un that have never be proven, and this very well may be another added to the list.
Article written by Kylie Miller.
Sources:
- http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-39124439
- http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/21/asia/kim-jong-nam-north-korea/index.html
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