NBA agent attempts to free Ohioan imprisoned in North Korea

It’s been over two months since Ohio native Otto Warmbier was imprisoned in North Korea, and one political activist (and NBA agent) is fighting to get him back.

David Sugarman is calling for Warmbier’s release, after helping free another American in 2014.

Sugarman said he had two meetings with the North Korean ambassador, where he was told they want basketballs and sneakers for North Korean children. Sugarman was unsure whether he could deliver those items on account of U.S. sanctions.

Warmbier was convicted on a charge of “subversion” after attempting to steal a North Korean propaganda banner, and is currently in a hard labor camp.

Sugarman has since started the Twitter hashtag campaign #WeWantWarmbier, and said he “will fight until Otto Warmbier is home.”

3/16/16: North Korea imprisons Ohio native for ‘subversion,’ Kasich demands his release

Otto Warmbier, a 21-year-old native of Wyoming, Ohio, was sentenced to 15 years in prison with hard labor by the North Korean Supreme Court this morning.

After attempting to steal a North Korean propaganda banner, Warmbier was convicted on a charge of “subversion.”

The North Koreans say that Warmbier was acting in concert with the U.S. government in stealing the banner, though it is unclear if this charge holds any truth.

Warmbier says he tried to steal the banner because he was facing “severe financial difficulties.” He was offered a used car worth $10,000 if he brought back the banner, and $200,000 would allegedly be donated to his family if he was detained.

Tensions are currently running high between Washington and Pyongyang, especially following the North’s recent nuclear test and rocket launch.

UPDATE: Ohio Governor John Kasich released a statement this morning calling for the release of Warmbier, saying that the North Korean government should let him return to his family in Ohio.

“His detention was completely unjustified and the sentence North Korea imposed on him is an affront to concepts of justice,” the statement reads. “Continuing to hold him only further alienates North Korea from the international community.”

Kasich ended the press release by urging the Obama administration to take steps towards Warmbier’s swift and safe return.

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