(MENAFN- Qatar News Agency) North Korea has announced it has deported an American veteran of the Korean War who had been detained in the country since October for what Pyongyang described as "hostile acts" against the communist country. Merrill Newman, an 85-year-old from California, was deported and put on a flight to Beijing "from a humanitarian viewpoint", the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said, citing his "sincere repentance" as well as his age and health condition.
US Vice President Joe Biden hailed the move as "positive" but also called on Pyongyang to free another US citizen, Kenneth Bae, who was arrested a year ago. Newman, who has a heart condition, was plucked off a plane last month as he was leaving Pyongyang following a tourist visit. His family said he was detained on October 26 shortly before take-off from the North Korean capital. The release came as US Vice President Joe Biden visited South Korea, the last stop on a three-country Asia tour that has already taken him to Japan and China. Last week Pyongyang for the first time officially admitted holding Newman, saying he was detained for "hostile acts" after entering the country "under the guise of a tourist".
North Korea had accused him of committing crimes both as a tourist and during his participation in the Korean War. The North also claimed that Newman masterminded espionage and subversive activities during the war and was involved in the killing of North Korean soldiers and innocent civilians. Newman, a retired financial executive who spent time in North Korea during the war, had released a video apology confessing to his crimes, published through state media.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.