Oregon student who went to South Korea on an exchange program was jailed there on charges of theft. His family seeks his release as South Korea bars his exit.
A 20-year-old engineering student from Portland, Oregon, remained stuck in South Korea months after he was arrested during what his family described as a mental health crisis. The name of the student has not been revealed in details According to his mother, Iris Cox, the student experienced a blackout on June 22. His family said the resulting damage was about $170.
a prosecutor’s appeal and an exit restriction have prevented him from returning to the US, according to KOIN Although a South Korean court acquitted him after finding that he lacked criminal responsibility. His family members said they did not expect South Korea to be so harsh on foreigners and US Embassy reportedly said it can’t intervene in Korea’s internal judicial decisions. His family said he has autism and a history of epileptic seizures. She said his psychological condition deteriorated during his incarceration. Wyden’s office contacted the US Embassy in Seoul, which said it could not intervene in South Korea’s judicial proceedings, according to KOIN.
Security camera footage cited in court documents showed him inside a dentist’s office, where he opened packages, took small items and bent a pair of glasses. Cox sought help from Oregon Senator Ron Wyden’s office.