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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.
A devastating fire has swept through a girls’ boarding school in central Kenya, leaving at least 16 students dead and dozens more injured in one of the country’s worst school tragedies in recent years.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday at Utumishi Girls Academy, located in Nakuru County, roughly 120 kilometres north of Nairobi. Authorities said the fire broke out around 1:00 a.m. while about 220 students were asleep inside the dormitory.
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Emergency responders, including the Kenyan Red Cross and local security agencies, rushed to the scene and evacuated survivors.
At least 73 students have been hospitalised with varying degrees of burns and smoke inhalation, while rescue operations and search efforts continued into the morning.
Police sources said the cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigations have been launched to determine what triggered the deadly blaze.
The affected dormitory has since been cordoned off as forensic teams examine the scene.
Parents gathered anxiously outside the school as authorities worked to account for all students. Officials have urged calm, assuring that full details will be released once investigations are completed.
The tragedy adds to a troubling history of school dormitory fires in Kenya, where boarding schools remain common.
In previous years, similar incidents have raised serious concerns about safety standards and emergency preparedness in educational institutions.
Government officials are expected to revisit school safety regulations following the latest disaster.
Global oil prices climbed sharply on Thursday following reports of a new United States military strike on Iran, raising fresh concerns over stability in the Middle East and possible disruptions to global energy supplies.
Brent crude rose significantly in early trading, while West Texas Intermediate also recorded gains as investors reacted to renewed hostilities and uncertainty around the fragile ceasefire in the region.
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According to reports, the latest US action included targeted strikes on Iranian positions following a series of drone and maritime incidents in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
The US military described its operations as “measured and defensive,” aimed at preventing further escalation and protecting strategic interests in the region.
The developments triggered immediate reactions across global financial markets, with Asian stocks mostly declining amid fears that prolonged conflict could disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz — a critical route for nearly a fifth of global crude supply.
Market analysts warn that sustained instability could push energy prices even higher, fueling inflationary pressures worldwide and potentially forcing central banks to maintain tighter monetary policies.
In Asia, major indices recorded losses, while tech-driven gains in select markets were overshadowed by broader investor caution. Safe-haven assets strengthened slightly as traders moved away from riskier positions.
Economists say the situation remains highly volatile, with conflicting signals from Washington and Tehran adding to uncertainty.
Any further escalation, they caution, could send oil prices even higher and deepen global economic pressure.
For now, investors are closely watching diplomatic developments and military activity in the region, as the world braces for possible further shocks to energy markets.
The United States has issued its strongest travel advisory against Uganda, warning citizens to completely avoid travel to the country due to an ongoing outbreak of Ebola virus disease.
In the updated alert, the United States Department of State upgraded Uganda’s travel status to Level 4, the highest risk classification, which is widely understood as a “Do Not Travel” warning.
The decision was based on serious health threats and the rapid spread of the virus in affected areas.
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Authorities also warned of the risk of cross-border transmission, noting that continued movement across neighbouring countries could worsen the situation despite ongoing containment efforts.
Previously, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had placed Uganda under a lower-level health advisory, advising travellers to take standard precautions.
However, a surge in infections and deteriorating conditions led to the tightening of restrictions.
Meanwhile, Ugandan authorities have stepped up emergency response measures, including stricter border surveillance, movement restrictions in affected zones, and reductions in public transportation and market activities in high-risk areas.
Health agencies remain on high alert as the outbreak continues to raise concern over possible regional spread across East Africa.
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