The statement said that the south Korean authorities sentenced Ro Su Hui, vice-chairman of the South Headquarters of the Pan-national Alliance for Korea's Reunification, to 4 years in prison and the same term of suspension of qualification, revealing again their anti-reunification nature.

Ro Su Hui is a patriot who struggled for national reunification, the cherished desire of all Koreans, the statement said, and went on:

He visited Pyongyang to take part in the events to mark the 100th day after the demise of leader Kim Jong Il and express deep condolences over his death.

His visit was a righteous deed to share sorrow with the compatriots in the north. He should be released at once.

We express resentment at the court's criminal ruling of him and will join in the international movement for his unconditional and immediate release.

We strongly demand the south Korean authorities set free all the pro-reunification patriots including him.