Otto’s Journey
On December 29th 2015, Otto Warmbier, a 21-year-old American student studying abroad, decided to join his tour group for a 5-day trip to North Korea. His parents, Cindy and Fred, had given Otto permission but expressed their worries about their son’s safety. Cindy had even asked her daughter, who was with Otto on the trip, to “talk [Otto] out of anything like that again.”
Despite these warnings, Otto and his tour group were able to make it into the country without any problem and were met with a seemingly friendly, non-threatening environment. His tour guides, “[took] the group to see a pleasure park and an aquarium”, and even made them feel welcomed, not realizing what would happen to Otto days later.
At the end of the five days, Otto and his tour group were on their way back to the airport. Suddenly, Otto was ripped away from the group and taken away by North Korean officials. Even though Otto had not done anything wrong, he was accused of allegedly stealing a propaganda poster from his hotel and was sentenced to 15 years of prison and hard labour.
Little did the North Korean officials know that the sentence would spark an international dispute. After months of communication between North Korean officials and US representatives, North Korea finally released Wayne from prison, more than a year after his sentence.
However, when Wayne was finally released on June 14th 2017, it was a horrible sight to behold. According to his father, Fred, Wayne was blind and deaf and unable to do anything whatsoever. He also had to be carried up the airplane steps as he was unable to walk.
Further medical examination revealed that Wayne had suffered a severe neurological injury, caused by his detainment in North Korea. Following this, the Warmbier family won a 32.5 million dollar judgment inthier lawsuit against North Korea.
Otto’s Passing
Tragically, on June 19th the same year, Otto Warmbier passed away with his family by his side. In an official statement, his autopsy revealed that he had died from “severe brain damage” caused by the detainment. To honor their son, the Warmbier family donated 5 million dollars of the lawsuit settlement to North Korea related causes.
Fred Warmbier also held a press conference, where he revealed that he blamed North Korea for his son’s death. He stated “Had Otto returned to Cincinnati on the day of his release, he would have received the urgent care of American medical professionals and he might have survived. ” He also urged everyone to take US-afiliated journeys seriously and the potential risks that could come from taking such trips.
International Outcry
Otto’s death sparked a international outcry against North Korea, with many experts and politicians strongly denouncing the regime’s brutal detainment of Otto and lack of medical care. In an interview with CNN, former US Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, called out the regime’s “barbaric treatment” of the American student.
The shocking incident also reignited the ongoing human rights issues in North Korea. Even though the country is considered a global pariah, the international community failed to act in time, allowing North Korea to continue its horrendous human rights record.
A Lesson for International Travelers
Otto’s tragedy serves as an important reminder for international travelers: when it comes to global safety and security, safety should always come first. According to a survey conducted by the US Department of State, a large number of US travelers are unaware of the potential risks of travelling abroad.
Safety experts urge travelers to research the country’s cultural and political history, travel regulations, and emergency services before travelling. This could potentially help them to avoid such tragedies in the future.
The Political Ramifications of Otto’ Case
Otto’s case has also had a long lasting impact on US-North Korean relations. What started as a simple tourist trip ended up in a global political dispute. The case also played a major role in the implementation of the US sanctions against North Korea and has been a topic of discussion in many international meetings.
Unfortunately, the North Korean regime has continuously denied being responsible for Otto’s death. However, a main goal of the sanctions is to help the North Korean people obtain justice against their own government.
The Impact of Otto’s Story
The memory of Otto Warmbier has served as an important warning against travelling to countries such as North Korea. His name has inspired numerous social movements, petition campaigns, and public speeches, as his family and friends continue to fight for justice.
Indeed, despite the tragedy, the story of Otto Warmbier has served as an important lesson for international travelers, reminding them to be aware of the potential dangers of foreign travel and to constantly prioritize their own safety.
Conclusion of Unresolved Matters
Despite his death, the story of Otto Warmbier is far from over. Experts are still investigating into the mysterious circumstances of Otto’s detainment and the worldwide repercussions that his case has had. While justice may be delayed, the legacy of Otto Warmbier will continue to live forever.
