Two days after Seoul lawmakers passed the controversial “anti-leaflet” law and raised ire among some human rights advocates, South Korean foreign minister Kang Kyung-wha responded to accusations that Seoul is clamping down on North Korea-related activism and free speech.

Speaking in an interview with CNN host Christiane Amanpour, Kang defended the law, which criminalizes the act of sending propaganda leaflets and other items to North Korea by allowing authorities to fine violators up to 30 million won ($27,400) or imprison them for up to three years.

“Freedom of expression is, I think, an absolutely vital human right,” Kang