Court proceedings from third-year Commerce student Otto Warmbier’s sentencing trial in North Korea showed images indicating a banner Warmbier allegedly stole supported former North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, according to a report from Reuters. The North Korean government alleges Warmbier’s fingerprints were found on the banner.
Warmbier was in North Korea with the tour group Young Pioneer tours. He was detained by the North Korean government Jan. 2 and sentenced to 15 years of hard labor earlier this week.
An image from the state media of the one-hour trial shows the banner used as evidence. The name in the photo is censored, but it appears that the slogan references “Kim Jong Il patriotism.” The movement grew as way to glorify Kim Jong Il after he died in 2011.
In addition to the banner, the court showed still CCTV images of Warmbier entering a staff-only section of the Yanggakdo International Hotel in Pyongyang. Warmbier’s North Korean tour guide, identified only as Mr. Byon, apparently identified Warmbier from the court’s image in his witness testimony.
Other evidence in the trial included the shirt and boots worn by Warmbier, as well as his passport, mobile phone and an ID card.
A representative from Young Pioneer Tours declined to comment on the court proceedings.
Read More
UJC sees “major influx” of cases with 38 adjudicated so far this term
By Ford McCracken | 10 hours agoAlongside an increase in cases, the Committee saw increased interest during recruitment
Shots fired reported on 800 block of Hardy Drive
By Thomas Baxter | YesterdayLongo said to avoid the area for the time being.
Honor Committee discusses panelist questioning policy in new sanctioning framework
By Lexie Stadler | YesterdayThe Committee discussed two potential approaches for determining the relevance of panelist questions.
