Update to our story here. Hopefully, the “apology letter” is a prelude to a release.
Via CNN:
(CNN) — The U.S. government pleaded Saturday for North Korean authorities to release 85-year-old Merrill Newman, with a spokeswoman saying officials are “deeply concerned” about him and another American being held in the isolated East Asian nation.
“Given Mr. Newman’s advanced age and health conditions, we urge (North Korea) to release Mr. Newman so he may return home and reunite with his family,” said National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden.
Newman suffers from a heart condition, according to his son, Jeff Newman. The son said that efforts have been made to get Newman medication to treat his ailment. While it’s not known whether those got to him, a U.S. State Department official said that Swedish diplomats — acting on behalf of the U.S. government — got “consular access” Saturday to Newman.