May 01, 2024
News

Controversial South Korean ‘anti-leaflet’ bill delayed after filibuster attempt

The bill drew criticism from the human rights community for criminalizing some forms of anti-North Korea activism

A controversial South Korean bill banning leaflets from being sent over the border to North Korea did not reach a vote as expected on Wednesday, with 103 lawmakers announcing that they will stage a filibuster to delay the legislative process.

If passed, the “anti-leaflet” law will allow authorities to punish violators with up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won ($27,200). The bill’s vague language has so far stoked controversy in Seoul, with human rights advocates and legal experts saying that the law could also criminalize the act of sending rice, medicine, money and USBs filled with foreign information to North Korea. 

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