March 29, 2024
News

North Korea threatens death penalty for black market medicine sales during COVID

Images obtained by NK News show notice posted at pharmacies warns violators' families will also be forcibly relocated

North Korean authorities have threatened severe punishment — including the death penalty — for citizens who mishandle emergency medicine, according to images obtained by NK News of a notice posted outside a Pyongyang pharmacy in May, just days after state media announced the country’s first COVID-19 outbreak.

The decree (포고), released by the Ministry of Public Security on May 14, states family members of violators will also be punished under the principle of guilt by association.

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