Free Republic

North Korean leader's uncle 'executed over corruption' The once-powerful uncle of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has been executed after being purged for corruption, state news agency KCNA reports. Chang Song-thaek was dramatically removed from a Communist Party session by armed guards earlier this week. He was accused of forming factions against the state, corruption and "depraved" acts such as womanising and drug abuse. It was the biggest upheaval since Mr Kim succeeded his father two years ago. KCNA said Mr Chang had been executed immediately after a military trial on Thursday, calling him a "traitor" and accusing him of...

/begin my excerpts N. Korea: Jang Sung-taek Executed Immediately after Special Military Trial (Seoul=Yonhap News) Jang Yong-hoon = N. Korea held a special military trial on Dec. 12 and sentenced Jang Sung-taek to death. The sentence was carried out immediately, according to KCNA on Dec. 13. KCNA reported, "A special military trial by State Security Department of DPRK was held on Dec. 12. By 60th provision of state criminal law, it sentenced Jang to death and the sentence was carried out immediately." /end my excerpts

PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) — North Korea on Friday announced the execution of Kim Jong Un's uncle, calling the leader's former mentor a traitor and "worse than a dog." The announcement came only days after Pyongyang announced through state media that Jang Song Thaek — long considered the country's No. 2 power — had been removed from all his posts because of allegations of corruption, drug use, gambling, womanizing and leading a "dissolute and depraved life." Jang was seen as helping Kim Jong Un consolidate power after the death of his father, Kim Jong Il, two years ago. Jang was...