American Student Detained In North Korea Before Flight To China For Allegedly Committing ‘Hostile Act Against The State’
A student of University of Virginia was arrested in North Korea prior to his flight to China after he was allegedly "caught committing [a] hostile act against the state," KCNA said Friday. The state-run news agency said that 21-year-old Otto Frederick Warmbier entered the country as a tourist with a plan "to destroy the country's unity," as noted by BBC Friday.
KCNA added that Warmbier had been "tolerated and manipulated" by the U.S. government. The news agency said the American student is currently under investigation.
Meanwhile, China-based travel agency Young Pioneer Tours confirmed in a statement that Warmbier had been arrested while he was on one of their tours in North Korea. The agency also said that Warmbier's family had been informed about the incident.
"We can confirm that the reports that one of our clients is being detained in Pyongyang are true," Young Pioneer Tours said in a dispatch Friday. "Their family have been informed and we are in contact with the Swedish Embassy, (who act as the protecting interest for U.S citizens), who are working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address the case."
"We are also assisting the U.S Department of State closely with regards to the situation. In the meantime we would appreciate Otto's and his family's privacy being respected and we hope his release can be secured as soon as possible."
Reports revealed that the American student was arrested last January 2 at Pyongyang Airport, CNN noted Saturday.
Presidential hopeful John Kasich said Warmbier should be freed and returned instantly.
"North Korea's arrest of an Ohio college student is inexcusable & he should be released & returned immediately," Kasich posted on his social media account.
Further reports revealed that the third year commerce student is a dean's lister at the University of Virginia. Warmbier also plays soccer and graduated salutatorian at Wyoming High School.
"Otto was one of the smartest guys I've ever met," said Kieren Thomas, a colleague of Warmbier's brother. "I've never met a person that had a bad thing to say about him."
