U.S. soldier who crossed into North Korea sentenced to time served
NBCSEP 25 2024
US Soldier Who Fled to NKorea Walks Free After Guilty Plea
Above: A man walks past a television showing a news broadcast featuring a photo of US soldier Travis King (C). Image copyright: Anthony Wallace/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
A military judge at Fort Bliss sentenced US Army Private Travis King — who last year ran into North Korea — to 12 months' confinement on Friday, and declared him free based on time already served.
The court-martial also demoted the cavalry scout to the lowest enlisted rank in the Army (E-1), forfeited his pay and allowances, and dishonorably discharged him.
This comes after King pleaded guilty to desertion, disobeying a superior commissioned officer, and assault as part of a deal that saw nine other charges dropped — including possession of child pornography.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
King faced a long list of serious charges that could have resulted in a far more severe punishment than he has received. However, the mental stress he was under at the time of his crimes — particularly in the wake of the death of his younger cousin — makes him deserving of this plea agreement. Both the Army and the King family are equally grateful to bring this ordeal to a close.
Establishment-critical narrative
This sentence is absurd. A 12-month confinement, already-served, being the only punishment for a soldier who very publicly deserted to North Korea is outrageously lenient, especially given that the maximum penalty for such an offense is execution. On top of that, serious child porn-related charges against King have mysteriously been dismissed. This result is an outrageous injustice.
Metaculus Prediction
Establishment split
CRITICAL
PRO
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