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US College Student Otto Warmbier Has Been Released From North Korea

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson confirmed Tuesday that Otto Warmbier was on his way back to the U.S. to be reunited with his family.

By: Briana Koeneman

Posted at 2:11 PM, Jun 15, 2017

and last updated 2017-06-15 14:11:13-04

An American college student who was detained in North Korea for more than a year has been released.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson confirmed Tuesday morning that Otto Warmbier was on his way back to the U.S. to be reunited with his family.

The State Department didn't reveal any details surrounding the 22-year-old's release or his condition, citing privacy concerns.

But Warmbier's parents told The Washington Post he was medically evacuated from the country in a coma.

Last year, North Korea's highest court sentenced Warmbier to 15 years in prison with hard labor.

He tearfully confessed to trying to steal a propaganda banner at his hotel in Pyongyang, but it's unclear if his confession was coerced.

"I understand the severity of my crime," Warmbier said during a press conference in February 2016.

Tillerson says the U.S. is continuing its discussions with North Korea to free the three other American citizens currently being held there.