Exclusive | Kim Jong-nam’s family placed under police protection in Macau
Sources confirm relatives of the murdered half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un fear for their life after his death in Malaysia on Monday
Relatives of Kim Jong-nam, fearing for their safety after his murder in Malaysia on Monday, have been placed under police protection in Macau, sources have confirmed.
The circumstances of the death of the estranged half-brother of North Korea’s leader are still being investigated and both his family and local authorities are now grappling with the consequences of the killing.
The Macau secretary for security Wong Sio Chak said in a statement that he would not reveal any details about the case or the eventual security measures being taken to protect Kim’s relatives, but said that the authorities were paying close attention to the development of the case.
“The authorities continue making their utmost efforts – in a lawful manner – to protect the safety and legitimate rights of all Macau residents, visitors and people staying in Macau,” the note read.
Over the past few days, there have been reports of US and South Korean government sources saying they believed North Korean agents murdered Kim, but other analysts have argued that the country had no reasons to do so. Kim, who moved to Macau in the early 2000s and was a frequent traveller, had survived an earlier attempt on his life in 2012.
Kim’s second wife, Lee Hye-Kyong, the son Kim Han-sol, 21, and the daughter Kim Sol-hui, who is believed to be 18, have been living in the former Portuguese colony, whereas his first wife and son reside in Beijing.