The date of his arrest was unclear, as were any details of what he did.
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Gov. John Kasich of OH, a Republican running for president, said in a statement that Warmbier’s arrest was “inexcusable” adding that “he should be released and returned immediately”.
Although the specific reasons for Warmbier’s detention are unknown, travelers to North Korea are advised to be circumspect and respect the country’s regulation of “unlawful” actions and carrying material that could lead to detention.
Earlier this month, CNN reported that North Korea had detained another US citizen on suspicion of spying.
China-based travel agency said Saturday an American university student recently detained by North Korea is being held over an unspecified incident at his hotel before he was scheduled to board a flight for Beijing.
Social media accounts for Warmbier show interests in finance, travel and rap music.
“I can tell you he’s a very intelligent, wonderful young man”, said Jeremy Marcel, a professor at the university’s school of commerce.
Warmbier grew up in Cincinnati and attended Wyoming High School from 2009-2013. “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”.
An attorney who represented Fowle in 2014 advised caution for those involved with the student. North Korea has sometimes listed English-language surnames first, in the Korean style. Back home, the married father of three said he’s doing well now. While the tour company was clear about what was off-limits to photograph, she felt that if she accidentally took a wrong photo it would have been treated as “an innocent thing”, and authorities would have simply asked her to delete it. She recalls a history teacher on her tour who told the guides that their narrative of North Korean supremacy was historically inaccurate.
The U.S. and South Korea have been pushing for tough sanctions against the North over its latest nuclear test on January 6.
The North Korean government has arrested and accused other USA citizens of similar charges in the past. “We need to guard peace and security in Northeast Asia by honoring the September 19 Joint Statement and resuming the six-party talks quickly”, said Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Hong Lei in a regular briefing that afternoon.
The State Department said it was aware of the reports that a US citizen was detained in North Korea.
The proposed five-way dialogue will involve the five other members of what are known as the six-party talks, except North Korea. Most are adventure-seekers curious about life behind the last sliver of the iron curtain, and ignore critics who say their dollars prop up a repressive regime.
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Hall said the United States has little leverage with North Korea. About 28,500 American troops are stationed in South Korea.
