Freed Australian student thanks supporters

Friday, 5 July 2019 13:44

The Australian student who was released after spending a week in detention in North Korea says he wants to return to "normal life."

29-year-old Alek Sigley also thanked his supporters the day after he was freed.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison interrupted Parliament on Thursday to announce that Sigley was now "safe and well" in Beijing after being "released from detention in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea".

He later said in a statement that Swedish authorities had helped secure the student's release.

It is unclear why the 29-year-old, who was pursuing a master's degree and running a tourism business in Pyongyang, was held in the country.

More from International News

Trump says US could restart Iran strikes 'if they misbehave'

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday he had been told about the concept of a deal with Iran, but was waiting for the exact wording, while warning there was still the possibility of restarting strikes on the country if Tehran misbehaves.
Israeli military urge southern Lebanon residents to evacuate

The Israeli military issued an urgent warning on Sunday to residents of 11 towns and villages in southern Lebanon, urging them to evacuate their homes and move at least 1,000 metres (3,300 feet) away to open areas.
Russia's Primorsk port hit as Ukraine launches wave of drone strikes

Ukrainian drones attacked Russia's Baltic Sea port of Primorsk on Sunday, temporarily setting it on fire, local governor Alexander Drozdenko said on the Telegram messaging app, as Kyiv launched a wave of strikes on targets across the country.
At least six dead, thousands displaced as heavy rains hit northeastern Brazil

Heavy rains that hit northeastern Brazil over the last 48 hours have killed at least six people and displaced thousands in the states of Pernambuco and Paraiba, the federal government said in a statement on Saturday.
Austrian police arrest man over poisoned baby food case

Austrian police have arrested a 39-year-old suspect on Saturday in connection with a case in which rat poison was placed in jars of baby food in what their German manufacturer called an attempt to extort it.

On Virgin Radio today

Non Stop Hits
1:00am - 7:00pm

The UAE's #1 Hit Music Station with no interruptions
American Top 40
7:00pm - 10:00pm

The biggest hits of the week direct from the USA