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The Kitchen Table

Americans detained in N. Korea

9 years ago

I was surprised to learn from a news report today that the young American man being detained in North Korea had traveled there to seek asylum. I don't remember how long he has been detained there. Now he is complaining that the US is not doing enough to get him home. Hmmmmmm.

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Comments (4)

suzieque
9 years ago
!!!!!

Seriously? Hmmm...
rob333 (zone 7b)
9 years ago
Only reports I could find were of three men being detained. Which one do you mean? Bae has been failing in health and even Dennis Rodman (who says Kim Jong Un is a life long friend) has asked for his release (January 2014). Miller, who sounds like the one you're talking about is only accused of tearing up his passport. Edited to add this... I think North Korea tore it up for him. If you catch my drift. That is, I don't believe a word of it. I think it's lies perpetrated by North Korea on trumped up charges. Excerpt:

________________________________
"Dressed in a black turtleneck and often avoiding eye contact, Miller said he has admitted his guilt even though he wonÃ¢ÂÂt learn of his charges [which makes his confession coereced and hogwash] until he goes to trial.

'But I will say that I prepared to violate the law of the DPRK before coming here,' Miller told Ripley. [Really? What criminal admits guilt, much less without knowing with what they're charged]

The 24-year-old is accused of tearing up his tourist visa and seeking asylum upon entry. He expressed frustration that 'thereÃ¢ÂÂs been no movement from my government.'"

So why do I say that? All three detainee interviews were very much contrived and the mens' "confessions" were so orchestrated, they practically matched.

Here is a link that might be useful: article on North Korean detainees

This post was edited by rob333 on Wed, Sep 3, 14 at 11:06
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chisue
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It's impossible to know the truth about what a prisoner says in captivity. What do we know about this young man from Bakersfield, Calif.-- before he went to North Korea? Why was he there? Who paid for him to travel? What's his background?

Of course, IMO, why GO THERE in the first place?
rob333 (zone 7b)
9 years ago
I have to totally agree chisue. I don't understand what in the heck compels someone to go anywhere near places like this? I haven't been there though, so I can't say.

Once I'd been through a flood, I totally understood why people don't flee during flood time. Being there made it all too clear. It happened so fast, in a place that doesn't typically floood, and by the time I'd figured out I should flee, it was too late because everywhere was flooded. So maybe something similar?

If, however, these folks are missionaries (something about bibles is showing up in the news stories), they knew the consequences. Not that I wish ill on them. I worry so much when missionaries leave for countries like this. And if it was me, I know would try to get out. But I am not sure of anything else regarding a situation like this?

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