A recent report from the UN Human Rights Office has highlighted an increase in the implementation of the death penalty in North Korea for crimes such as watching or sharing foreign films and television dramas. The report indicates that the North Korean government has intensified control over its citizens, with forced labor also becoming more common. This tightening of state control coincides with advancements in surveillance technology, affecting personal freedoms significantly.
Over the past decade, North Koreans have increasingly faced restrictions on their daily lives, including heightened fear of punishment for unauthorized media consumption. The report, which draws on more than 300 interviews with recent escapees from North Korea, notes that executions for distributing foreign content have reportedly risen since 2020. Public executions are conducted to deter others from similar activities.
The report also discusses how the government has launched at least six new laws since 2015 that escalate penalties for various offenses, including the viewing of foreign media. Escapees have reported severe penalties, with some witnessing executions firsthand.
Additionally, the report maintains that living conditions in North Korea have deteriorated. Many individuals interviewed mentioned widespread food insecurity, with meals being a luxury for most. The government’s crackdown on informal trade, combined with increased military presence at the borders, has made it more challenging for individuals to sustain themselves or attempt escape.
The UN report recommends actions for the international community, including calling for the situation in North Korea to be referred to the International Criminal Court. However, such actions would require backing from the UN Security Council, where China and Russia have historically blocked sanctions against North Korea. The UN urges North Korea to abolish its political prison camps and the death penalty while promoting human rights education among its citizens.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgqdz17ye3o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss