Tit-for-Tat as North Korea and Malaysia bans each other's citizens from leaving their countries

It's tit-for-tat after North Korea banned Malaysian citizens from leaving the country until “the incident that happened in Malaysia is properly solved” with Malaysia responding with a similar ban as the row between the two countries over the killing of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s half-brother in Kuala Lumpur escalates. 


Recall that the Kim Jong-nam, the estranged half-brother of Kim Jong Un, was killed at Kuala Lumpur airport, Malaysia last month after he was attacked with the nerve agent VX

The ban comes just two days after Malaysia expelled the North Korean ambassador from the country for criticising the investigation into Kim’s death.

There are reportedly nine Malaysian nationals in North Korea who will be affected by the ban as investigation into Kim Jong Nam’s murder continues.

The news was announced by the North Korean state news agency, KCNA, who reported that the ban would remain until the country was satisfied with the case.

“All Malaysians will be temporarily prohibited from leaving the country until the incident that happened in Malaysia is properly solved”.

Malaysia who retaliated with a similar ban until the safety of all Malaysians in North Korea was assured described Korea's ban as an “abhorrent act, effectively holding our citizens hostage” in disregard of international law. 

A Malaysian police investigation into the murder of Kim Jong-nam, had named seven North Koreans who are wanted for questioning.

Where do you see this leading to?