NORTH KOREA: The Tragic Tale of Otto Warmbier (PART 2)

What led to the unfortunate situation of an exceptional young man, often described as the epitome of the "all-American boy," being arrested in North Korea and eventually returning home after seventeen months in a feeble and pitiable state? We delve deep into Otto Warmbier's story, examining the transition from a trip of a lifetime to an absolute nightmare.

In the first part of this harrowing account, we explored Warmbier's background, the reasons behind his visit to North Korea, and a comprehensive examination of his arrest. The government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) accused him of engaging in espionage on behalf of the United States of America. They subjected him to a farcical "kangaroo court," parading him in front of cameras as he pleaded for his life, only to then confine him in a harsh labor camp without any communication with his family for several months.

What unfolded during Warmbier's time in captivity, and how did he manage to escape the clutches of the despotic Kim regime? Let us delve into the details and find out.

Otto at the press conference before his trial, very scared and dejected 

LANGUISHING IN JAIL

After his so-called "trial," Otto Warmbier was sent to a detention center in North Korea, where he endured suffering for fifteen months, extending his total time in captivity to seventeen months. Throughout this period, the DPRK denied him any means of communication with his family, leaving them in deep distress and unsure of where to seek help.

Meanwhile, as the young man languished in prison, the Kim government attempted to exploit him as a bargaining chip in negotiations with United States officials, aiming to secure the lifting of sanctions in exchange for Otto's release. Unfortunately, these demands went unmet, leading North Korea to grow increasingly desperate and intensify their efforts, labeling Warmbier as a "prisoner of war" and a "war criminal."

On July 6th, 2016, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) under the U.S. Department of the Treasury enforced supplementary sanctions, targeting high-ranking members of the North Korean government, which included Kim Jong Un. These individuals were singled out for their involvement, facilitation, or responsibility in committing human rights abuses or violations. A senior official emphasized that these sanctions serve as a clear expression of the U.S. Government's strong denouncement of the regime's transgressions and its unwavering resolve to bring them to an end. I can just image what kind of damage this decision might have caused to Otto. It would not surprise me if the Kim government retaliated against Otto because of these additional sanctions! 

Throughout this period of imprisonment, the United States' House of Representatives had pending sanction bills against the DPRK. Concurrently, North Korea significantly escalated their monthly rocket and missile launches, persisting in their nuclear testing endeavors and their relentless pursuit of a flawless nuclear bomb.

WORD AT LAST

In June 2017, Otto's parents received a long-awaited update on their son. United States government officials relayed the message that Otto had been in a coma for over a year. However, there was a glimmer of hope as, after numerous meetings and negotiations, the DPRK had finally agreed to release custody of Otto Warmbier and repatriate him to the United States. Given his critical condition, this medical evacuation posed a significant challenge.

The operation was meticulously planned and closely monitored by the highest echelons of the United States government, led by President Donald Trump at that time. Taking charge of the mission was Joseph Yun, the State Department's key representative for North Korea. Accompanying him was emergency medicine doctor Michael Flueckiger.

They embarked on their journey to Pyongyang aboard a medical evacuation aircraft known as Phoenix Air. Although typically used for evacuating Ebola patients in Africa, Dr. Flueckiger insisted on utilizing this particular aircraft due to its exceptional capabilities. He aimed to ensure a seamless operation, leaving no room for compromise when it came to the aircraft and the team involved.

Pheonix Air was known as one of the best medical evacuation airplanes at the time 

Upon arrival in Pyongyang, the envoy was escorted to the Friendship Hospital, located within the diplomatic district. This exclusive clinic catered exclusively to foreigners, and it was there that they discovered Otto Warmbier lying unresponsive in a room designated as the "intensive care unit," with a feeding tube inserted through his nose. Tragically, he was in a state of brain death.

The doctor sought access to the x-rays depicting the patient's brain condition and posed inquiries regarding his medical history to the North Korean medical staff. Upon evaluation, the doctor observed that the hospital suffered from inadequate sanitation conditions, outdated equipment, and a shortage of personnel. Adding to the distressing circumstances, the doctor was coerced into providing a positive assessment of Otto's medical condition as a bargaining tactic for his release. 

Shockingly, reports indicated that the DPRK demanded an exorbitant sum of $2 million USD to cover his medical expenses, thereby obliging the medical team to sign an agreement prior to Otto's release, acknowledging their responsibility for payment.

REUNITED AT LAST

Anxious and filled with trepidation, Fred and Cindy Warmbier awaited their son's long-awaited homecoming at a small, private airport. The US authorities in charge of the mission had informed them of the likelihood that their kind-hearted, intelligent, and athletic son had endured significant brain damage. Despite this warning, the parents were hoping it meant that he might be sleeping or in a medically induced coma, they held onto the belief that with tender loving care and proper healthcare, he would soon regain his former self. However, the heart-wrenching sight that unfolded at the airport shattered their expectations.

Otto being taken off the plane once landed in USA

Otto lay on a stretcher, robbed of his sight and hearing. A feeding tube snaked through his nose, while he wailed and convulsed with violent jerks. His once impeccably aligned teeth now bore the cruel marks of displacement, particularly his front teeth contorted into agonizing positions within his mouth. Otto was promptly transported to the medical center at UC Health, where diligent doctors meticulously evaluated his medical condition. Drawing upon the results of thorough tests and their astute observations, they arrived at the bleak conclusion that he had suffered severe brain damage, rendering his condition irreparable.

After examining Otto Warmbier's medical condition, doctors reached a perplexing conclusion: his severe brain damage was the result of a previous hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, which occurs when there is a significant reduction or complete halt of blood flow to the brain. This revelation was puzzling because the young man had been in perfect health and highly active prior to his arrival in North Korea. No known pre-existing physical conditions could account for such a drastic event.

Sparse medical records pertaining to Otto's condition were received from North Korea. These records revealed that the brain damage was already present in a scan conducted in April 2016, a month after his trial. Adding to the intrigue, Otto's doctor and family also noticed a scarred wound on his left foot, which had not been there before his trip. Curiously, there was no mention of this injury in any documentation from the DPRK.

LEFT TO DIE IN PEACE

As Otto's condition had become terminal, his parents granted permission for the doctors to initiate palliative care, ceasing the provision of nutrition through the tube and offering respiratory support. Tragically, Otto Warmbier passed away on June 19th, 2017, succumbing to the injuries inflicted upon him by the despotic North Korean regime at the tender age of 22.

Otto in hospital

In an attempt to deflect blame for Otto's death, the DPRK responded with false assertions, claiming that he had contracted botulism and was administered a sleeping pill. However, Otto's medical team conducted an electromyography test, which yielded no evidence of botulism or anticipated long-term nerve damage associated with such an ailment. Moreover, it is important to note that botulism does not lead to a cessation of blood flow to the brain, and the administration of a sleeping pill would not be an appropriate treatment for such a grave condition.

This feeble excuse only served to underscore the North Korean regime's attempts to conceal evidence of their abhorrent torture methods. Following Otto's untimely demise, the DPRK issued an official statement on June 23rd, 2017, which essentially confirmed that they had taken him solely because he was a United States citizen, employing him as a convenient pawn in their political maneuvers with the US. One such statement read, "Warmbier is a victim of the 'strategic patience' policy of Obama, who engaged in utmost hostility and refusal to engage in dialogue with the DPRK."

Otto Warmbier's family sued the North Korean government for what they did to their son. A federal judge in New York ordered that over $240,000 in seized North Korean bank assets be paid to the family. This was substantially lower than the $1 billion sum that the family originally went after.

Otto's parents, Fred and Cindy Warmbier

CONCLUSION

The tragic conclusion of this narrative serves as a stark reminder that no one manages to escape the clutches of the North Korean regime unscathed, should that be their intent. I firmly hold the belief that Otto Warmbier was seized as a political captive and used as a bargaining tool by the DPRK in an attempt to alleviate sanctions imposed by the United States. It is highly likely that he endured torture and severe physical abuse. The evidence of his brain injury suggests strangulation as a probable cause, while the misalignment of his teeth points to the tormenting practice of using pliers to inflict excruciating pain by forcibly manipulating victims' teeth. The presence of various scars on his body indicates potential lacerations or other inflicted injuries.

I must earnestly advise everyone to refrain from booking trips to North Korea, even for seemingly exhilarating and adventurous "extreme holidays." Upon arrival in the country, passports are confiscated at the border, leaving travelers with limited assistance from foreign consulates in Pyongyang. With no access to the internet or external phone connections, and given the strained relationships many nations have with the Kim regime, the circumstances align with the tragic fate that befell poor Otto.

My heartfelt condolences go out to his family in this time of profound grief.

References:

• District of Columbia Civil Lawsuit document between Cynthia and Fred Warmbier vs the DPRK
• GQ.com: The Untold Story of Otto Warmbier, American Hostage
• CNN: Who was Otto Warmbier?
• DW Documentary: What happened to Otto Warmbier in North Korea?
• NBC News: Otto Warmbier's family awarded $240k in seized North Korean assets
• VOA News: Court Papers Hint at Warmbier’s Treatment in North Korea
• The Washington Post: North Korea issued $2 million bill for comatose Otto Warmbier’s care