Malaysia expels North Korean diplomats over killing of Kim-Jong nam
BBC – Malaysia has expelled North Korea’s ambassador after he criticised its investigation into the killing of the North Korean leader’s half-brother.
Kang Chol must leave within 48 hours, Malaysia’s foreign ministry says.
It demanded an apology after the envoy said North Korea could not trust Malaysia’s handling of the probe, but says it did not receive one.
Kim Jong-nam, the half-brother of Kim Jong-un, died three weeks ago at a Kuala Lumpur airport.
Malaysia has not directly blamed North Korea for the attack, in which two women smeared the nerve agent VX on Mr Kim’s face. But there is widespread suspicion Pyongyang was responsible.
Main players in mysterious killing
Mr Kang, who had become a fierce critic of his host country, said the probe into the killing had become “politicised” and was being interfered with.
The Malaysian Foreign Minister, Anifah Aman, declared the ambassador “persona non grata”, and said his country had demanded an apology for the comments, but this was not forthcoming.
“Malaysia will react strongly against any insults made against it or any attempt to tarnish its reputation,” Mr Anifah said in a statement.
The North Korean representative also failed to turn up for a meeting at the Malaysian foreign ministry on Saturday, he added.
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