South Korean missionary detained until the 15th of next month in Russian court on 'suspected espionage'

The detention period of Baek, a Korean missionary detained in Russia on espionage charges, has been extended until the 15th of next month, Tas news agency and others reported.

A court in the city of Moscow, Russia, refused to accept Paik's appeal and decided to remain in custody until Nov. 15.Dmitry Ivanov, a lawyer for

Baek, said he could not disclose details because the case was sensitive, but that Baek denies the allegations.

Another Baek is receiving medicine for health problems, and officials from the Korean Embassy visit once a month, he added.

Baek was arrested by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) in Vladivostok, Russia in January, and then transferred to Moscow's Lefortovo detention center for investigation.

This is the first time a Korean has been accused of espionage in Russia, and if convicted, they can be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.

The TAS news agency reported that Baek is suspected of handing over state confidential information to foreign intelligence agencies and that related criminal case data has been classified as "top-secret."

In March, a South Korean aid organization claimed that Baek is a missionary in Vladivostok and that the espionage charges are absurd.