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Alek Sigley: Australian student released from detention in North Korea

It is not clear why the 29-year-old, who is now "safe and well" in Beijing, was held in the country.

Thursday 4 July 2019 08:59, UK

REFILE - UPDATING CAPTION ADVISORY An Australian student Alek Sigley, 29, who was detained in North Korea, arrives at Beijing international airport in Beijing, China, July 4, 2019, in this photo taken by Kyodo. Mandatory credit Kyodo/via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. JAPAN OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN JAPAN. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Image: Alek Sigley (centre) was pictured arriving at Beijing international airport
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An Australian student has been released after spending a week in detention in North Korea.

Alek Sigley lost contact with his family and friends in Japan and his home country last week.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison told parliament that the 29-year-old was now "safe and well" in Beijing after leaving North Korea.

Alek Sigley has been released after being detained in North Korea
Image: Mr Sigley has been released after being detained in North Korea

He added that Mr Sigley, who was studying in the capital Pyongyang, was released early on Thursday.

Mr Morrison's announcement was the first confirmation that the student and tour guide had been detained.

Mr Sigley looked relaxed as he arrived at a Beijing airport, but did not respond to reporters' questions about what happened in Pyongyang.

He said: "I'm okay, I'm okay, I'm good. I'm very good."

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Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that North Korean authorities had released the student
Image: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that North Korean authorities had released the student

Gary Sigley, his father, said his son would soon be reunited with his Japanese wife Yuka Morinaga in Tokyo.

He told reporters in his hometown of Perth: "He's fine. He's in very good spirits. He's been treated well."

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Swedish diplomats had raised the case of Mr Sigley with authorities in the North Korea capital where Australia does not have an embassy.

It is not clear why Mr Sigley was held in North Korea
Image: It is not clear why Mr Sigley was held in North Korea

Mr Morrison told parliament to cheers from politicians: "I'm pleased to announce that Mr Alek Sigley has been today released from detention in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

"Alek is safe and well."

Mr Sigley was a student in the capital Pyongyang
Image: Mr Sigley was a student in the capital Pyongyang

He added: "Swedish authorities advised the Australian government that they met with senior officials from the DPRK yesterday and raised the issue of Alek's disappearance on Australia's behalf."

Mr Morrison also thanked Swedish authorities for "their invaluable assistance in securing Alek's prompt release".

He continued: "This outcome demonstrates the value of discrete behind-the-scenes work of officials in resolving complex and sensitive consular cases in close partnership with other governments.

"I'm sure we all could not be more pleased that we not only know where Alek is, that we know he is safe."

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