The statement accused the south Korean puppet forces of arresting him for his visit to the DPRK for peace and reunification of the Korean Peninsula to mark the 10th anniversary of the publication of the June 15 North-South Joint Declaration.

This indicates that the south Korean authorities are not only opposed to the peaceful reunification of Korea but not allowing people to meet even compatriots, it noted, adding:

The British branch of the association demands an immediate release of the reverend and calls on all democratic forces to make efforts for it.