International News
How North Korea Executes Citizens for Watching Foreign Films – UN
The United Nations has raised alarm over the growing use of executions in North Korea, warning that citizens are being put to death for acts as simple as watching or sharing foreign films and dramas.
In a recent report, the UN Human Rights Office accused the Kim Jong Un-led government of tightening restrictions on nearly every aspect of daily life, with surveillance now described as “more pervasive” than ever.
“No other population is under such restrictions in today’s world,” the report stated, citing interviews with escapees.
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The findings, drawn from 300 testimonies of defectors, revealed that at least six new laws passed since 2015 allow executions for distributing or viewing foreign media. Witnesses said public shootings have become more common since 2020.
One escapee, Kang Gyuri, who fled in 2023, explained how entertainment could mean death: “He was tried along with drug criminals. These crimes are treated the same now,” she said, adding that three of her friends were executed simply for watching South Korean dramas.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, warned that unless urgent action is taken, North Koreans will remain trapped in “brutal repression and fear.”
The report also highlighted worsening hunger and economic hardship since 2019, when Pyongyang abandoned diplomatic efforts to focus on weapons development.
A woman who escaped in 2018 recalled: “In the early days of Kim Jong Un, we had some hope, but that hope did not last long. The government gradually blocked people from making a living independently, and the very act of living became a daily torment.”
The UN further accused North Korea of forcing orphans and the poor into dangerous labour under “shock brigades,” while maintaining at least four political prison camps.
Despite a slight decline in physical violence from guards, torture and deaths remain widespread in detention facilities.
The report urged Pyongyang to abolish its prison camps, end executions, and adopt policies that protect human rights.
Türk stressed: “Our reporting shows a clear and strong desire for change, particularly among North Korea’s young people.”
The UN also called for North Korea’s human rights violations to be referred to the International Criminal Court for investigation.
Portugal officially inaugurated its new president, Antonio Jose Seguro, on Monday, pledging to bring stability to a nation shaken by political uncertainty and natural disasters.
Seguro, the centre-left candidate, won last month’s presidential run-off against far-right rival Andre Ventura, following weeks of catastrophic storms that killed at least seven people and caused approximately €4 billion ($4.6 billion) in damage.
Speaking at his swearing-in ceremony in Lisbon’s parliament, Seguro emphasized cooperation with the minority right-wing government and vowed to end the country’s “electoral frenzy.”
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“I will do everything I can to put an end to this electoral frenzy,” he said, pointing to the inability of previous governments to complete their terms.
Amid global crises, including conflicts in the Middle East and a more isolationist US approach under President Donald Trump, Seguro stressed the importance of multilateralism.
“The force of law has been replaced by the power of the strongest,” he remarked.
Seguro succeeds Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, a conservative who leaves office at 77 after serving two five-year terms.
While the Portuguese presidency is largely ceremonial, Seguro’s leadership signals a commitment to political stability and international engagement.
The war involving the United States, Israel and Iran intensified on its fourth day Tuesday, with fresh explosions reported in Tehran, missile interceptions over Jerusalem, and rising tensions spreading across Lebanon and Gulf states.
AFP journalists in Tehran reported loud blasts across several parts of the Iranian capital, though officials did not immediately confirm the exact targets.
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The conflict began over the weekend after coordinated US and Israeli strikes reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, triggering retaliatory attacks across the region.
Iran Appeals to UN
Iran called on the United Nations Security Council to intervene and halt the war. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the council had a responsibility to act, insisting there were no legal obstacles preventing immediate action.
Oil Surges as Hormuz Disrupted
Global oil prices spiked amid fears of supply disruption, particularly as the strategic Strait of Hormuz — a crucial oil shipping route — was effectively closed.
Brent crude rose more than eight percent to $85.12 per barrel, its highest level since mid-2024. Meanwhile, precious metals fell sharply, with gold dropping over four percent and silver plunging more than 12 percent as investors shifted toward energy and the US dollar.
Iran Issues Fresh Threats
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned of intensified attacks on US forces and Israeli targets.
A spokesman vowed that “continuous punitive attacks” would follow, declaring that the “gates of hell” would open against both nations.
Israeli Troops Advance in Lebanon
Israeli ground forces reportedly advanced into areas near Kfar Kila and the Khiam plains along the Lebanon border.
Israel said the move was aimed at creating a buffer zone to protect its northern communities.
The escalation has displaced at least 30,000 people in Lebanon, according to the UN refugee agency.
Nuclear Site Damaged
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that Iran’s Natanz Fuel Enrichment Plant sustained recent damage to entrance buildings at its underground facility. However, the agency said no radiological consequences were expected.
Gulf Capitals, US Embassy Hit
Explosions were also reported in Manama and Doha as Iranian strikes continued into a fourth day.
In the UAE, drone debris sparked a fire in an oil zone in Fujairah, though authorities said the blaze was contained.
Two drones reportedly struck the US embassy in Riyadh, causing a fire. Saudi officials condemned the attack as unjustified.
Tech Infrastructure Targeted
US tech giant Amazon confirmed that two of its data centres in the UAE were directly hit by drones, disrupting cloud services in parts of the Middle East. A nearby facility in Bahrain was also damaged.
Global Reactions
US President Donald Trump criticised UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over disagreements on the use of British military bases, saying relations were “not like they used to be.”
France deployed Rafale fighter jets to protect its bases in the UAE, while China urged all sides to ensure safety in the Strait of Hormuz and called for an immediate ceasefire.
Iran has called on the United Nations Security Council to urgently intervene and halt the ongoing war involving the Islamic Republic, Israel and the United States.
Speaking during a weekly foreign ministry briefing on Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the global body has both the authority and responsibility to act in order to prevent further escalation of hostilities.
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“The United Nations Security Council has a duty… if it wishes, it can certainly act, because there is no obstacle to its action except its own will,” Baqaei stated.
His remarks come amid rising tensions and continued military exchanges that have heightened fears of a broader regional conflict.
Iran maintains that international institutions must step in decisively to prevent further loss of life and instability across the Middle East.
Tehran’s appeal places renewed pressure on the Security Council’s five permanent members, whose divisions have often stalled unified action in past conflicts involving major global powers.
Analyst say any meaningful intervention would require consensus among key stakeholders, including Washington and its allies.
The war has drawn global concern, with several countries calling for restraint and diplomatic engagement to avoid further deterioration of security in the region.
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