June 21 (UPI) — North Korean envoys at overseas postings are worried about serious implications that could follow the death of former American detainee Otto Warmbier, who died days after being released from North Korea, according to Radio Free Asia.
A human rights activist who spoke to the news service said North Korean officials outside the country are concerned about rising international anger over the death of the 22-year-old college student, who was freed in a comatose state days before his death.
The activist, who said North Korean officials have told him directly of their concerns, spoke on the condition of anonymity to protect his identity.
Since the news of Warmbier’s death, U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted, the United States “once again condemns the brutality of the North Korean regime as we mourn its latest victim.”
The U.S. once again condemns the brutality of the North Korean regime as we mourn its latest victim. Video: https://instagram.com/p/BVkTvCqAHLI/
Phil Robertson, a deputy director at U.S. NGO Human Rights Watch, said the group has called on North Korea to immediately release the remaining detainees: three Americans, one Canadian and six South Koreans, according to RFA.
Robertson also said foreigners detained in North Korea are not given better or special treatment, challenging some popularly held claims past detainees were handled benignly by North Korean standards.
There are no indications so far, however, what the United States plans to do in response to Warmbier’s death.
“We hold North Korea accountable for Otto Warmbier’s unjust imprisonment,” State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Tuesday. “We’re still considering our options.”
Some U.S. lawmakers, including Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., and Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., are calling for a North Korea travel ban, which could mean prison time for Americans who break the law upon their return.
