Posted on 02/25/2005 2:50:42 PM PST by headsonpikes
WASHINGTON (AP) - Some North Koreans who defect or seek political asylum abroad can face execution if they are forced back to their homeland, according to a State Department report. North Koreans sent home after leaving without authorization are subject to at least five years of "labor correction," the report said.
In serious cases, they can receive "an indefinite term of imprisonment and forced labor, confiscation of property, or death," it said.
The report said U.S. officials have been told that the harshest treatment is reserved for those who have had extensive contact with Christian missionaries and other activists in China.
But officials also have learned, the report said, that current treatment of returned migrants is generally better than it has been in the past.
As part of the North Korean Human Rights Act, approved by Congress last year, the State Department was ordered to issue a report on North Koreans who try to leave the country.
A copy of the report, sent by
(Excerpt) Read more at ap.tbo.com ...
Apparently, it's a cook-book.
"North Koreans Seeking Asylum Can Face Death if Forced to Return"
"The mere fact that North Korea has labeled illegal departure from North Korea as an act of treason suggests the importance of evaluating each individual claim before a person is repatriated," the study said.
Well, Big DUH!
Sending escapees back into the Cannibal Pot of North Korea is an affront to humanity.
AGREED
Why should we fight for SK?
South Korea lives in an illusory universe parallel to its northern neighbour.
Perhaps kimchi has heretofore unsuspected hallucinatory effects.
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