North Korea denied allegations that American student Otto Warmbier had been mistreated while in Pyongyang's custody, and blamed the us administration of President Barack Obama for his death.
North Korea claims it is the "biggest victim" after sending an American college student imprisoned for over a year home in a coma, from which he never awoke.
A former senior State Department official said the United States had made repeated requests for Warmbier's release on humanitarian grounds under Obama, including via the North Korean mission at the United Nations, via the Swedish mission in Pyongyang, at unofficial talks with North Korean officials involving former USA officials, and via third parties.
Rodman's agent, Chris Volo, who went to North Korea as well and was on hand during the interview, was even more adamant about their role in Warmbier's return. Otto Warmbier. I said to them, "We ... would need his ... you know, a release, some type of good faith" ...
But according to KCNA, a spokesman of the North's National Reconciliation Council said: "Our relevant agencies treat all criminals who committed crimes against (our) republic strictly based on domestic law and global standards, and Warmbier was no different".
Warmbier was initially arrested at Pyongyang airport in January 2016 and accused of stealing a propaganda sign from a hotel.
North Korea's foreign ministry issued a statement seen aimed at defending itself against criticism that the North brutally treated Otto Warmbier.
(CNN) - Days after the death of USA student Otto Warmbier following 17 months detention in North Korea, the country's state media claimed his death was a "mystery".
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The death of Warmbier has inflamed already high tensions between the United States and North Korea.
Kenneth Bae, a Christian missionary who was held in North Korea himself, said: 'I can not understand what the Warmbier family is feeling right now.
Warmbier was sent back to the U.S.in a state of unresponsive wakefulness, according to doctors at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. He was flown back to the U.S.in a coma, after 17 months imprisonment, but North Korea deny any knowledge of how he became ill. "At least I know China tried!"
Rodman landed in North Korea on Monday, June 12, the same day Warmbier was released in a coma.
Rodman also revealed Friday that he reached out to the Warmbier family to arrange a meeting but was rebuffed.
There are three more Americans held in North Korea. "Some good things came of this trip".
How may relations between the United States and North Korea be affected?
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