President of the United States Congress Human Rights Organization criticizes “harmful democratic principles” against North Korea

Entry 2020.12.13 21:57

Congressman Chris Smith, co-chair of the ‘Tom Lantos Human Rights Committee’, a bipartisan international human rights organization in the United States Congress, strongly criticizes the ruling party’s enforcement of the law against North Korea as “legislation. fool that undermines democratic principles and human rights. ” did. If the war ban against North Korea is finally passed, the US State Department Human Rights Report also revealed that Korea should be reassessed.

President Smith said in a statement on the 11th (local time) titled “South Korea is trying to punish humanitarian organizations (NGOs) that try to reach North Korea.” “On the surface, a vibrant democracy is the cruelest in the world.” We are concerned about legislation that criminalizes attempts to promote democracy and provide spiritual and humanitarian assistance to those who suffer under the communist dictatorship. ”

This is aimed at the anti-war law against North Korea currently being promoted by the Democratic Party of Korea. The Democratic Party’s recent judicial and law enforcement committee on North Korea’s exclusive drug law against North Korea has resulted in a punishment of up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won if the law is violated. agreement by disseminating brochures.

President Smith said: “This is clearly a violation of the Korean constitution and a violation of the obligation to comply with the ‘International Covenant on International Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR),'” he said. “Why are President Moon Jae-in’s comrades in the National Assembly trying to ignore duty?”

“This stupid legislation condones communist North Korea,” he said. “I sincerely hope that South Korean Democrats recognize that this bill is not only poorly formulated, but also has terrifying implications for democracy and freedom.” And asked for withdrawal.

“If (the bill) is finally passed, we will reevaluate Korea’s dedication to democratic values ​​in the religious freedom and human rights reports issued by the US State Department. It is very likely that Korea will be on the list of surveillance”. And this will be very sad. ”

In response from the US Congress, “If the bill passes, we will proceed with a hearing on the Korean government’s inability to defend its civil and democratic rights.” “No government, not even the old allies, can be an exception to verification,” he emphasized.

President Smith criticized not only North Korea’s human rights, but also the fact that the South Korean government prohibited or restricted the gathering of conservative groups, etc., for the recent prevention of coronavirus infection (Corona 19 ).

“We are seriously concerned about the Korean record of President Moon Jae-in,” he said. “We watched the government (of Korea) use the COVID-19 quarantine at the national and provincial level to reduce freedom of expression and religious assembly critical of the president. I saw it.”