Libya to release two Koreans held for illegal religious activities

Manama: Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has pardoned two South Koreans charged with violating the country's religious law, Korea's foreign ministry said on Wednesday.

The decision will close a case that overlapped with a separate diplomatic row, the Korean news agency said.

The two South Koreans, identified only by their surnames, Koo and Jeon, were arrested earlier this year on charges of engaging in Christian missions work in the Muslim country.

Their arrests were seen as related to a dispute over allegations that a South Korean intelligence agent attempted to collect information on the Libyan leader and the country's weapons system.

Koo and Jeon were released from detention in October when the diplomatic case was resolved, but have been barred from leaving the North African country.

Their hearing date was initially scheduled for December 7, but has been postponed several times.