North Korea (VCM/MNN) — North Korea has consistently topped the world's
human rights watch lists as being the most repressive and closed nation in the
world.
The stories of the brutality against Christians, in particular, are hair raising. Voice of the Martyrs Canada just
released another report revealing that the government executed three leaders of an
underground house church and jailed 20 others with them.
North Korean police raided a house in Kuwal-dong in Pyungsung county,
Pyongan province, and arrested all 23 believers who had gathered for a
"religious function."
After killing the leaders, the authorities reportedly sent the other 20 to
prison camp No. 15 in Yodok.
Due to the xenophobia of this nation and its tendency toward isolation, news like
this takes a long time to travel to the border. This information is VOMC's most recent, although the arrests and
executions happened in mid-May.
A group of North Korean defectors based in Seoul, calling themselves "North Korea
Intellectual Solidarity," confirms the events. AsiaNews and Release International also
confirm them, adding that the 23 Christians had reportedly come to faith after
some of them traveled to mainland China on business and came into contact with
the church there.
The government often tries to force religious prisoners to renounce their faith
by subjecting them to harsh treatment and torture. Those caught praying are also beaten and
tortured.
Watchdog groups estimate some 200,000 North Koreans, many of whom are thought
to be Christians, are suffering in detention.
Many citizens attempt to escape North Korea but are frequently caught and
re-patriated. Those who do confess faith
in Christ during the interrogation process have been known to be executed
immediately.
Please pray for believers in North Korea who follow Jesus at great risk. Pray for those in authority in this nation; ask the Lord to give them wisdom, compassion, and the light of the Gospel. There are more ways to help here.
