Libya has pardoned two South Koreans who had been on trial for allegedly engaging in illegal missionary activities in the North African nation.

According to the Foreign Ministry in Seoul, Libyan leader Muammar el-Qaddafi pardoned the two South Koreans on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of South Korea-Libya diplomatic relations in December.

The two South Koreans were detained last year for engaging in Christian missionary activities in the Muslim country but were being held for trial.

Accordingly, the two South Koreans will be allowed to leave Libya.