Former US soldier Charles Jenkins, who has been accused of defecting to North Korea, says he is ready to surrender to US military authorities. The 64-year-old - who is currently in a Tokyo hospital - faces a possible court martial on charges of desertion. There is speculation that Mr Jenkins' willingness to give himself up points to the possibility of a plea bargain. Correspondents say he may avoid being put on trial by accepting a dishonourable discharge. | That and the 40 years he spent in North Korea are enough punishment. |
Mr Jenkins arrived in Tokyo with his Japanese wife in July, despite the threat of being extradited to the US. The couple's plight has won them sympathy in Japan, and has complicated Japan-US relations. "I will soon voluntarily face the charges that have been filed against me by the US Army," Mr Jenkins said in a statement released through his American military lawyer James Culp. Mr Jenkins said he would go to a US base west of Tokyo to "begin the process that will bring closure to my pending legal situation". He signed the statement "Charles Robert Jenkins, Sergeant, United States Army". Colonel Victor Warzinski, a spokesman for US forces in Japan, described the move as "a welcome development". "Sergeant Jenkins faces serious charges and we have long contended that he needs to avail himself of the military justice system," he said. Mr Jenkins is accused of defecting to North Korea in 1965, where he lived for nearly 40 years. He also faces possible charges of aiding the enemy and encouraging other soldiers to desert their posts. Desertion alone carries a maximum life penalty, but analysts say it is extremely unlikely he will be given such a sentence. | Looking at his picture, he doesn't have much life left in him. |
The US has delayed demanding immediate custody of the ex-soldier in consideration of his medical condition, but has repeatedly stated its intention not to let the matter drop. | If he surrenders, pleads guilty and gives a nice long interview on life in North Korea, I figure a BCD and time served will be enough. |
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