Washington 20 Jun (ANA) - Donald Trump has condemned “the brutality of the North Korea regime” after its former prisoner and US student Otto Warmbier died earlier today. The 22-year-old, who was imprisoned in North Korea for 17 months, was returned to his family in a coma last week after being released by Kim Jong-un's officials for “humanitarian reasons”. The President said: “Melania and I offer our deepest condolences to the family of Otto Warmbier on his untimely passing. “There is nothing more tragic for a parent than to lose a child in the prime of life. Our thoughts and prayers are with Otto’s family and friends, and all who loved him.” Mr Warmbier had been sentenced to 15 years hard labour by the brutal Kim Jong-un regime in March last year. The Republican condemned the brutality of North Korea and recommitted his pledge to prevent “such tragedies from befalling innocent people” like Mr Warmbier’s untimely death. The President said: “It’s a brutal regime and we’ll be able to handle it.” He added: “Otto’s fate deepens my administration’s determination to prevent such tragedies from befalling innocent people at the hands of regimes that do not respect the rule of law or basic human decency.

“The United States once again condemns the brutality of the North Korean regime as we mourn its latest victim.” (ANA)

FA/ANA/20 June 2017-------