American soldier Travis King was actually stationed in South Korea, but then crossed the border into North Korea. As a result, he was charged with desertion in his home country.
“Travis King has faced significant challenges throughout his life, including a difficult upbringing, a criminal background, and mental health issues,” his attorney said. “All of these factors exacerbated the difficulties he faced in the military.”
The court sentenced him to 12 months in prison, which the ex-soldier will not have to serve because of his guilty plea, the prison sentence he has already served and his good behavior, according to King’s lawyer. “Travis is now free and will return home,” it said.
King was tried in a military court on 14 counts. In addition to desertion, he pleaded guilty to four other charges, including disobedience, his lawyer said. The military said the court acquitted him of all charges as part of a plea agreement.
“Sightseeing tour” of the Demilitarized Zone
King was stationed in South Korea until the summer of 2023. He was originally scheduled to be flown to the U.S. due to his involvement in a brawl, a confrontation with police, and a stint in jail in South Korea.
However, he was able to escape from the airport and take a sightseeing tour of the demilitarized zone between South and North Korea, crossing the border where the heavily secured border between the two countries is marked only by a low concrete wall. Pyongyang extradited him to the United States in September 2023.
Source: Krone
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