Two South Koreans have been detained in Libya, according to a diplomatic source Saturday.
A pastor who was only identified by his surname Goh was arrested about a month ago by the Libyan authorities in violation of religious laws.
Another South Korean also identified by just his family name Joo was being held since about a week ago, the source said.
Goh reportedly went to the northern African country eight years ago as a student. According to the source, Joo is a businessman who sponsored Goh’s missionary work.
Officials from the South Korean embassy in Libya have tried in vain to gain access to the two Koreans but the Libyan authorities have refused.
Meanwhile, the office of the Libyan trade representative shut down in late June.
A government official said the office decided to close for internal reasons.