VOA标准英语2010年-Former N. Korea Detainee 'Closest Frie

Aijalon Mahli Gomes, participates in a rally, denouncing North Korean's human rights conditions at the Imjingak Pavilion, near the demilitarized zone in Paju, South Korea, 12 Jan 2010

An American facing trial in North Korea may have been inspired to enter the country by the incursion of a fellow American just four weeks earlier.  The two were friends.

Newly emerging photographs show Aijalon Mahli Gomes attending South Korean rallies in support of North Korean human rights.

Gomes, a 30-year-old English teacher from the state of Massachusetts, is facing trial in North Korea.  Pyongyang says he illegally entered the country from China on January 25.

That was one month after American Robert Park made his Christmas Day entry to the North, waving a Bible and preaching a Christian¹ message.  North Korea released Park last month.

In an e-mail from a spokesman, Park describes Gomes as one of his "closest friends" and says he plans a hunger strike in his support.

Both Park and Gomes are connected to Pax Koreana, a Christian activist² group in Seoul. 

Pax Koreana director Jo Sung-rae says Park and Gomes met last year and Gomes displayed genuine concern for Park's welfare.

He says Gomes was reticent³, and that he was impressed by the way Gomes prayed silently at the back of the rally.  He says he approached Gomes and saw that he was crying, without making any dramatic facial expressions.  Jo says he calmly patted Gomes, and he continued praying.

Jo says Gomes was probably inspired by Park's actions.  But he says Gomes crossed into the North alone, with no help or encouragement from Jo or his group.

Jo says such things are not done by mere⁴ mortals, or by Pax Koreana, either.  He says he strongly believes it is God that is working here.

Friends and former colleagues describe Gomes as a gentle, but passionate⁵, Christian eager to spread his faith.  They say they are hoping and praying for his speedy release.

North Korea is one of the most reclusive countries in the world, and tightly limits the number of foreigners who can enter its borders.  It also is considered one of the most repressive states, sharply limiting its citizens' rights to free expression and their access to the rest of the world.
 

1 Christian   

adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒

参考例句：

• They always addressed each other by their Christian name.他们总是以教名互相称呼。
• His mother is a sincere Christian.他母亲是个虔诚的基督教徒。

2 activist   

n.活动分子，积极分子

参考例句：

• He's been a trade union activist for many years.多年来他一直是工会的积极分子。
• He is a social activist in our factory.他是我厂的社会活动积极分子。

3 reticent   

adj.沉默寡言的；言不如意的

参考例句：

• He was reticent about his opinion.他有保留意见。
• He was extremely reticent about his personal life.他对自己的个人生活讳莫如深。

4 mere   

adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过

参考例句：

• That is a mere repetition of what you said before.那不过是重复了你以前讲的话。
• It's a mere waste of time waiting any longer.再等下去纯粹是浪费时间。

5 passionate   

adj.热情的，热烈的，激昂的，易动情的，易怒的，性情暴躁的

参考例句：

• He is said to be the most passionate man.据说他是最有激情的人。
• He is very passionate about the project.他对那个项目非常热心。