The United States has declined to classify Army Private Travis King as a prisoner of war after being taken into North Korean custody, according to four U.S. officials who spoke to Reuters. This decision has raised concerns within the U.S. military as it goes against their commitment to leave no soldier behind enemy lines.
King, a 23-year-old active-duty soldier, crossed into North Korea of his own free will while on a civilian tour of the demilitarized zone separating North and South Korea. While technically the United States and North Korea remain at war as a result of the 1950-53 Korean War ending in an armistice, factors such as King’s voluntary decision and civilian attire have disqualified him from being classified as a POW.
A Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment on King’s POW status but emphasized the department’s priority was to bring him home and ensure he is treated humanely in accordance with international law. The United States has relayed this message to Pyongyang in private communications, but these communications have not invoked POW status.
Prisoners of war are protected by the Third Geneva Convention, which both North Korea and the U.S. have signed. This agreement outlines standards for the treatment of captives, including access to medical care, the Red Cross, and the ability to communicate with their families.
While some experts argue that labeling King as a POW would provide a clearer framework for his treatment, it is uncertain how the North Korean government, which has shown reluctance to comply with international law, would respond. Additionally, given that there was no active fighting on the peninsula at the time of King’s crossing, it would be difficult for the U.S. to assert that he is a prisoner of war.
King, who joined the U.S. Army in January 2021, faced legal troubles during his posting in South Korea. He had been due to face military disciplinary action upon his return to the U.S. following allegations of assault and other charges. The Pentagon currently describes King’s formal status as “AWOL” (absent without leave), with the possibility of being declared a deserter after 30 days.
There have been precedents for using the POW designation in cases where the U.S. was not in an active war, such as with Christopher Stone, Andrew Ramirez, Steven Gonzales, and Navy Lieutenant Robert Goodman.
(Reporting by Phil Stewart, Idrees Ali and Josh Smith; Additional reporting by Simon Lewis, Editing by Don Durfee and Daniel Wallis)
Credit: The Star : News Feed
