A major human rights organization is decrying a South Korean bill that would ban groups from blasting loudspeaker propaganda into North Korean territory or launching informational leaflets over the border.
On Saturday, Human Rights Watch urged South Korea’s National Assembly to scrap a bill nicknamed the “anti-leaflet law,” calling it a violation of free speech.
“The South Korean government seems more interested in keeping North Korea’s Kim Jong Un happy than letting its own citizens exercise their basic rights on behalf of their northern neighbors,” John Sifton, Asia advocacy director at Human Rights Watch, said in a release. “The proposed law does a great disservice to the people of both South Korea and North Korea.”
Earlier this week, the bill jumped through the first hoop of becoming national law, raising ire among activist groups who regularly send leaflets by balloon in an effort to undermine North Korea’s strict information control. South Korean lawmakers who support the bill argue that its ban on border-area activism keeps citizens living in the area safe from any potential skirmishes.
If passed, the bill will allow South Korean authorities to fine violators up to 30 million won ($27,200) or jail them for up to three years.
So far, the bill’s language is vague, raising concerns that it could have a chilling effect on all sorts of North Korea-related activism, including activities that send rice, medicine, USBs filled with foreign information and other goods to North Korea.
“Many North Korean escapees and South Korean groups routinely send money to relatives and other at-risk people in North Korea, as well as USB and SD cards with digital content containing documentaries or other presentations on life outside North Korea, classes in math or economics, information on current affairs, news, and history,” Human Rights Watch said. “They also send seeds, food, secondhand clothes, and medicine. It is unclear whether the law would only apply to informational items and money, or also include other items of value.”
South Korean lawmakers are expected to cast a final vote on the bill on Dec. 9 before leaving it on President Moon Jae-in’s desk.
A major human rights organization is decrying a South Korean bill that would ban groups from blasting loudspeaker propaganda into North Korean territory or launching informational leaflets over the border.
On Saturday, Human Rights Watch urged South Korea's National Assembly to scrap a bill nicknamed the "anti-leaflet law," calling it a violation of free speech.
Become a member for less than $4 per week.
Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop
Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe now
All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.