A Malaysian court has charged two women — an Indonesian and a Vietnamese — with murder over their alleged involvement in the killing of the estranged half‑brother of North Korea's leader.
25-year-old Siti Aishah and 28-year-old Doan Thi Huong were presented in court by the Malaysian police where charges were read out against them.
They could face the death penalty if convicted.
Kim Jong‑nam — who had criticised the regime of his family and his half‑brother, Kim Jong‑un — was killed in Kuala Lumpur's main airport on February 13th.
It is alleged the two women smeared VX nerve agent, a chemical described by the United Nations as a weapon of mass destruction, across his face.
Both women have reportedly said they thought they were part of a prank TV show playing harmless tricks on unsuspecting passengers.
One of them told authorities that she was paid about 120 Australian dollars.
North Korea opposed Malaysian officials conducting an autopsy, while Malaysia has resisted giving up the body without getting DNA samples and confirmation from next of kin.
Malaysia has also detained a 45‑year‑old North Korean whose role in the killing is unclear.
Authorities are seeking seven other North Korean suspects, four of whom fled the country the day of Kim's death and are believed to be back in North Korea.
