In recent months, the messages dispatched into the North have called on the
citizens to rise up against the regime in the same way as people in North
Africa and the Middle East have overthrown their dictators in recent months.
Pyongyang has responded by threatening to retaliate with artillery barrages.
In its ruling, the court said, “Severe punishment is needed for crimes
that can threaten the existence and safety of the Republic of Korea.”
Ahn was also ordered to pay 11.75 million Won (£6,549) in fines, the same
amount he was to receive for the assassination from the North Korean
government.