The DPRK’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) today announced an amnesty for criminals who have committed crimes against the state.

While details were scarce, the pardons will begin on August 1, to celebrate the 70th anniversaries of Korea’s liberation and the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea.

“The DPRK decided to grant an amnesty to the persons, who had been convicted of the crimes against the country and its people,” the KCNA article reads.

Granting amnesty has historically been a common practice for Korean leaders, with South Korean President Park Geun-hye announcing a similar plan for citizens in the