Surveillance footage from Malaysia released on Monday apparently shows the assassination of the North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un’s half-brother.
The video from Kuala Lumpur’s airport shows a woman rush up from behind and hold something over Kim Jong Nam’s face. He died a short time afterwards.
The footage, which was obtained by a Japanese TV network, was grainy and blurry but appeared to show a woman in a white shirt wipe a cloth across his face. A second woman comes from a different direction to assist before disappearing back into the crowd.
Other surveillance footage showed Kim Jong Nam walk up to Kuala Lumpur airport workers and security officials asking for help. He was brought to the airports medical center but died while being brought to the hospital, according to Malaysian officials.
North Korea’s ambassador said Malaysia’s investigation can’t be trusted and North Korea demanded to see the suspects as well as Kim’s body. Malaysia has refused the request until the body can be identified.
“We haven’t met the next of kin,” Noor Rashid said. “We are trying very hard to get the next of kin to come and to assist us in the investigation.”
Ambassador Kang Chol said the investigation into the assassination was politically motivated.
“The investigation by the Malaysian police is not for the clarification of the cause of the death and search for the suspect, but it is out of the political aim,” he told reporters Monday.
Malaysian police said they are working with Interpol in the investigation and there are seven suspects at large. Four of them are North Korean and left the country the same day of the assassination.
“We need them to assist in the investigation. So we have to collect all of the evidence pertaining to the involvement of these people,” said Malaysia’s deputy national police chief, Noor Rashid Ibrahim.
Four people are currently in custody including the two alleged female attackers. One of the women told investigators she thought she was pulling a prank for a hidden camera TV show.
South Korea’s acting President Hwang Kyo-Ahn accused North Korea of the assassination.
“The murder clearly demonstrates the recklessness and brutality of the North Korean regime,” Hwang said.
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