Two other Christians, a pastor an a student were also sentenced to 12 years, on charges related to “espionage.”

DARSE received the prison social merit bronze medal. “It is faith in God what drives us to act”, Director Paco Mata said.

When the suspect realised who the judge was, he broke down in tears. Judge waited for him at the prison entrance when he was released, to hug him.

A Canadian pastor has been missing in North Korea for more than a month, raising fears he may have been detained.

Pastor Saeed Abedini pens moving Christmas letter from prison to family and believers: 'These days are very cold here'