LONDON – The vast majority of North Korea’s citizens are aware that political dissidents are sent to prison camps, refugee Kim Song-ju told UN commissioner on Wednesday.

Testifying to commissioners Michael Kirby and Sonia Biserko in the Central Hall Westminster, Kim said that the general population of the DPRK were well-aware that prison camps are operated by the state to punish political dissidents, and that “some are even aware of the harsh punishments.”

Responding to a question from Kirby about protest in North Korea, Kim said “protest is death,” and that North Koreans do not dare for fear of being