North Korea has released American Christian Jeffrey Fowle. He flew out of the communist country on a U.S. government jet Tuesday.
The State Department credited Sweden with helping facilitate his release.
The U.S. does not have formal relations with North Korea.
"We welcome the DPRK's decision to release him," State Department spokesperson Marie Harf said in a statement.
She also praised the "tireless efforts" of the Swedish embassy in Pyongyang.
Fowle, 56, is from Miamisburg, Ohio. He's been in North Korean custody for nearly six months, charged with leaving a Bible in a nightclub in the city of Chonjin.
Two other Americans, Kenneth Bae and Matthew Miller, are still imprisoned in the communist country.
Bae, a Christian tour guide, is serving a 10-year-sentence for what Pyongyang calls 'anti-government activity.'
He's only served about two years of his sentence and is said to be in poor health.
The State Department says it's tried repeatedly to send a negotiator to North Korea to gain the release of all the Americans, but Pyongyang continues to refuse.
Did you know?
God is everywhere—even in the news. That’s why we view every news story through the lens of faith. We are committed to delivering quality independent Christian journalism you can trust. But it takes a lot of hard work, time, and money to do what we do. Help us continue to be a voice for truth in the media by supporting CBN News for as little as $1.
Support CBN News
