Virginia student arrested in North Korea

Otto Frederick Warmbier (Credit CBS News)

A University of Virginia student, 21, was arrested at Pyongyang airport in North Korea as he tried to board a flight back to China and charged with committing “hostile acts” against the country.

Otto Frederick Warmbier is studying commerce at the Virginia college but hails from Cincinnati, Ohio, the Washington Post reported, citing KCNA, North Korea’s state-run media.

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North Korean authorities said Warmbier was “arrested while perpetrating a hostile act against the DPRK after entering it under the guise of touris[m] for the purpose of bringing down the foundation of its single-minded unity at the tacit connivance of the U.S. government and under its manipulation,” the Washington Post reported.

Young Pioneers, a company that arranges tours to North Korea, confirmed Warmbier’s arrest.

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“We can confirm that the reports that one of our clients is being detained in Pyongyang are true,” the company said in a statement. “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.”

Warmbier went to a five-day trip to North Korea for the New Year’s holiday. He was detained on Jan. 2, but his story is only now reaching the ears of the media.

Young Pioneers said despite the arrest, the country is “probably one of the safest places on Earth to visit,” it said, the Washington Post reported.

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“Tourism is very welcomed in North Korea,” the company said. “Tourists are cherished and well taken care of. We have never felt suspicious or threatened at any time. In fact, North Koreans are super friendly and accommodating, if you let them into your world. Even during tense political moments, tourism to the DPRK is never affected.”

At the same time, the State Department says otherwise, and warns Americans against traveling to the regime.

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