Executed in North Korean for distributing Bibles
27.8.2009
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4242/09
by Filip Kaczmarek (PPE)
to the Council
According to reliable sources, on 16 June 2007 a Christian woman, Ri Hyon-ok, who had been sentenced to death for distributing Bibles, was executed in public in North Korea. Following the execution, the murdered woman's family was sent to Hoeryong prison camp in the north-east of the country.
The North Korean authorities have violated the most fundamental human rights and freedoms, which include the right to life, freedom and personal safety, and freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
Given the above, would the Council say:
- 1.whether, in accordance with current international law, it has taken steps to shed light on this tragic event;
- 2.whether it plans to impose sanctions provided for under international law on North Korea for acting in breach of the rules applying in the civilised world?
OJ C 10 E, 14/01/2011