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Three North Koreans killed while trying to flee to China
The three poor farmers were crossing the Yalu River. Witnesses on the Chinese border say they saw border guards carrying away the bodies. Surveillance measures enhanced after the death of Kim Jong Il: the new regime wants to give a message of severity.
Seoul (AsiaNews / Agencies) - North Korean soldiers have shot dead three men, probably farmers, who were trying to cross the border between North Korea and China. The news was given to Seoul by human rights activists, who point out that Pyongyang is stepping up inspections on the country's borders, after the death of the "Dear Leader" Kim Jong-il and the rise of his son Kim Jong-un. (30/12/2011 New dictator, old politics in North Korea).
The border guards of the Communist regime killed the three men, described as being around forty years of age, while trying to cross the Yalu River near the border town of Hyesan, in the north, said Do Hee Youn, a noted human rights activist who helps the refugees coming from North Korea. "The people waiting on the Chinese side of the river to help the three to flee were witnesses to the scene. The guards carried away the dead bodies, that were lying on the ice, "said Do Hee-Youn.
The intelligence services of South Korea have said they are not able to immediately confirm the shooting. Since the 1950-1953 war, at least 23 thousand North Koreans have fled to escape repression and hunger, seeking refuge in South Korea, the largest number in recent years. The preferred escape route is along the border with China, which has become increasingly permeable over the years. In general, escape is made on foot, often thanks to the corruption of border guards. The fugitives first hide in China, and then travel to a third country from which they reach South Korea.
Do Hee-Youn says, it "is rare," for border guards to immediately open fire on the fugitives, and thinks that is so immediate a reaction linked to stricter safety standards during the handover. "I fear that for some time it will become more difficult for the people of the north". The North’s authorities have circulated the news of the killings in the border town. "They're trying to let people know that those who try to escape will be killed on the spot. "The food situation in the North is dramatic, and hunger, as well as political repression, is the most powerful motivator to try to flee the country.