North Korea Wants Detainee to Pay for His Hotel Bill
I wonder if the North Koreans will demand that the other American detainees will need to pay bills as well?
North Korea has sent a U.S. citizen who was detained in Pyongyang last year a 3.6million won ($3,241) bill, according to a recently published book which reveals the story of the detainee.
Merrill Newman, 86, visited Pyongyang for a tour last year, but was held in the Yanggakdo Hotel for 42 days on charges of espionage from Oct. 26, 2013.
The book, “last P.O.W.,” written by a former CNN correspondent Mike Chinoy, reveals that Pyongyang sent the U.S. Department of State a bill for Newman’s stay via the Swedish ambassador in Pyongyang. The Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang plays a role in protecting U.S. people there.
The bill includes $2,610 for the room, $591 for meals, $14 for dessert, and even $3 for “lost plates.” The tourist season rate of $75 a day was charged for six days and the ordinary season rate of $60 was applied for the other 36 days. The bill also includes $23 for international phone calls he made to his wife in the U.S.
The 86-year-old detainee, however, left the bill unpaid after he confirmed with the State Department that paying would not help then detainees, Kenneth Bae and Mathew Miller, the book reads. [Korea Times]
I actually agree with something North Korea wants. This is perfectly reasonable, and from the number they presented, they certainly aren’t trying to pad the bill. Further, Mr. Newman should be financially liable to any other country which expended funds to gain his release, including South Korea, China, and most definitely the US. Why? Because the trip was completely avoidable and the US and South Korea are STILL IN A STATE OF WAR with North Korea.
Personally, I wish the North Koreans would automatically detain any traveler entering their territory who is a citizen of a country associated with the sixteen member states who provided troops to the United Nations Joint Command during the ongoing Korean War (1950-20??). And the norK’s would be well in their rights to do so.
Maybe he should pay them for his stay.
But the North will probably get the same response that they give to other countries that they defraud and owe money to.
And we have a new asshat!
http://news.yahoo.com/american-denounces-u-illegally-entering-north-korea-cnn-043646821.html
Arutro Pierre Martinez of El Paso, TX has gone to North Korea. Keep him, we have enough crazy people.
He gave a 4,000 word speech denouncing the U.S. foreign and domestic policies, police, and the electoral process.
Yeah, we have a winner here. Don’t bring this clown back. Ever.
Americans like skipping town without paying for their hotel bills. They are white liars and crooks.