DPRK sets trial date for detained American tourist

PYONGYANG - The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) decided to put on trial American tourist Miller Matthew Todd on Sept. 14, the official KCNA news agency reported on Sunday.

The 24-year-old American was placed in custody on April 10 when he tore up his visa on arrival at Pyongyang's international airport in an alleged attempt to seek an asylum in the country.

On June 30, the DPRK announced that two U.S. tourists detained in the country, one of them Miller, would be put on trial for anti-DPRK acts.

Miller was allegedly "perpetuating hostile acts," after he entered the country, according to the DPRK state media.

One day following the Pyongyang's announcement, the United States urged the DPRK to release the detained Americans "out of humanitarian concern." U.S. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told a routine briefing that "there's no greater priority for us than the welfare and safety of U.S. citizens abroad."

A group of CNN TV crew on Monday were allowed to have an interview with three Americans being held in the DPRK, including Miller Matthew. Miller told the CNN that he faced an urgent situation as he believed he would be directly sent to prison very soon.