Dennis Rodman 'Investigated for Violating Sanctions' against North Korea

Dennis Rodman

THE INDEPENDENT: Former NBA star's lavish birthday gifts for 'friend for life' Kim Jong-un may have violated international sanctions imposed on North Korea

Dennis Rodman is reportedly being investigated by the US Treasury on suspicions that he violated sanctions against North Korea by splashing thousands of dollars in luxury gifts for Kim Jong-un.

On his fourth trip to Pyongyang, the former NBA player allegedly showered "friend for life" Kim with expensive gifts to celebrate his 31st birthday; these reportedly included Irish Jameson whiskey, a fur coat, an Italian suit, several bottles of his "Bad Ass Premium Vodka" brand and a Mulberry handbag for his wife, Ri Sol-ju.

A US official told the Daily Beast the Treasury Department is investigating whether Rodman violated US sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act signed by President Barack Obama in 2010, which makes it illegal for US citizens to "import, export, or reexport" luxury goods to or into North Korea.

Rodman's gifts also appear to violate UN sanctions imposed on North Korea prohibiting "the provision of luxury goods" adopted in 2007. These were reinforced last year after the country conducted its third nuclear test in February 2013. » | Maria Tadeo | Friday, January 24, 2014

North Korea Denies Kim Jong-un Executed Mistress to Protect Wife

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: North Korea has angrily denied reports that Kim Jong-un ordered the execution of a former mistress in August to protect the "dignity" of his wife.

The denunciations in state media said "reptile media" were making allegations designed to "hurt the dignity" of Mr Kim, his wife, Ri Sol-ju, and the regime.

The state-run KCNA news agency claimed the reports were the work of "psychopaths" and "confrontation maniacs" in South Korea's government and the media.

"This is an unpardonable, hideous provocation hurting the dignity of the supreme leadership," KCNA stated. "Those who commit such a hideous crime ... will have to pay a very high price."

Reports in South Korea initially claimed that Hyon Song-wol, with whom Mr Kim was romantically linked around 10 years ago, was among a dozen well-known North Korean singers and musicians executed by firing squad on August 20 after appearing in pornographic videos.

Relatives of the condemned musicians and other members of the Unhasu Orchestra, the Wangjaesan Light Band and the Moranbong Band were forced to watch the executions before being sent to labour camps. » | Julian Ryall, Tokyo | Monday, September 23, 2013

Nordkorea: Ri Sol Ju soll schwanger sein