In a shocking and highly controversial ruling, an American citizen has been sentenced to 15 years of hard labor in North Korea after being accused of stealing a propaganda poster from his hotel.
The man, who was visiting the isolated nation as part of a guided tour, was arrested earlier this year after authorities claimed CCTV footage showed him removing a political banner. During a televised court appearance, he reportedly admitted to the act but tearfully pleaded for leniency.
Despite his emotional apology, North Korean officials handed down one of the harshest penalties seen for such a crime, citing it as a “hostile act against the state.”
The sentencing has drawn international outrage, with U.S. officials condemning the punishment as “grossly disproportionate” and calling for his immediate release. Human rights groups have also criticized North Korea’s legal system, accusing it of using the case as a political weapon amid strained relations with the West.
Experts warn that cases like this are often politically motivated, with foreigners being used as leverage in diplomatic standoffs. Meanwhile, the man’s family has been left devastated, pleading with the U.S. government to negotiate his safe return.
🔴 This story is still developing as diplomatic efforts are reportedly underway to secure his release.
