An American student from the University of Virginia has been detained in North Korea on Jan 2 for committing a “hostile act against the state.”
A report from North Korea’s official state-run news agency accused Otto Warmbier, 21, of entering the country "for the purpose of bringing down the foundation of its single-minded unity at the tacit connivance of the U.S. government.”
The China-based tour company, Young Pioneer Tours, confirmed Warmbier’s detainment in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea.
“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 are working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address the case."
When Warmbier arrived at the airport to leave the country, he was taken aside by airport officials and escorted into a small room.
The U.S. State Department said it was aware of Warmbier’s detainment.
"The welfare of U.S. citizens is one of the Department’s highest priorities," State Department Deputy Spokesperson Mark Toner said in a statement. "We have no further information to share due to privacy considerations."
Warmbier’s detention occurs during a time of high tension between the U.S. and Pyongyang because of its recent nuclear test.
