An American college student detained in North Korea last month has appeared in public in North Korea. Otto Warmbier appeared at a North Korean press conference and made a public statement apologizing and asking for forgiveness. The 21-year-old University of Virginia student was arrested last month before boarding a plane out of the country. He has been charged with committing a hostile act against the state, with the help of the United States. Warmbier said he removed a sign from a hotel in an area only for workers. He and his tour group stayed at the hotel. He said a member of his church asked him to bring the sign to the United States to show to others. Warmbier was reportedly in North Korea on a discount tour for college students, not a church group. North Korea has not said what punishment Warmbier may face. “I understand the severity of my crime, and I have no idea what sort of penalty I may face, but I am begging to the Korean people and government for my forgiveness,” Warmbier said. “And I am praying to the heavens so that I may be returned home to my family.”
