We ask for your prayers as Mr. Merrill Newman continues to be held captive in North Korea.
North Korean state media claims Saturday that 85-year-old U.S. tourist detained for more than a month now has apologized for alleged crimes during the Korean War and for “hostile acts” against North Korea during his recent trip there. Authorities released a video showing Merrill Newman, wearing glasses, reading his alleged apology which was dated November 9 but could not be independently confirmed.
Pyongyang has a history of coercing statements from detainees. There was no way to reach Newman to determine under what circumstances the reported confession occurred. “I have been guilty of a long list of indelible crimes against DPRK government and the Korean people,” Newman purportedly wrote in a four page statement, adding: “Please forgive me.” DPRK stands for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, North Korea’s official name. The statement which was carried on North Korea’s official news agency said the war veteran allegedly attempted to meet with any surviving soldiers he had trained during the Korean War to fight North Korea, and says that he admitted to killing civilians and brought an e-book criticizing North Korea.
It wasn’t clear what would happen to Mr. Newman now but the statement alleges that Newman says if he gets back to the U.S. he will tell the truth about the country which is a possible indication that Newman may be released in the future. In some circles, the apology can be seen as Pyongyang taking steps required to release Newman, said Yoo Ho-Yeol, a professor of North Korean studies at Korea University in Seoul. North Korea likely issued the confession in the form of an apology to resolve Newman’s case quickly without starting legal proceedings, Yoo said.
North Korea has detained at least six Americans since 2009 including two journalists accused of trespassing and several Americans, some of whom are of Korean ancestry, accused of spreading Christianity. Kenneth Bae, a Korean-American missionary and tour operator, has been detained for more than a year. North Korea views missionary work as a Western threat to its authoritarian government.
Whatever the reasons behind the detention, it could hurt impoverished North Korea’s efforts to encourage a growing tourism trade. Tourism is picking up in North Korea, despite strong warnings from the State Department, most recently, just this last week. Americans travel there each year, many as part of humanitarian efforts or to find long-lost relatives.
The State Department has repeatedly warned Americans about traveling to the country of North Korea citing the risk of arbitrary detention.
We continue to pray for Mr. Newman’s safe return and for God to give his family the strength they need during this difficult situation.
To read my original report on this matter, click here: https://fggam.org/memo-to-north-korea-let-merrill-newman-come-home/