Despite North Korea’s constitution allowing its citizens freedom of speech and of press, they have experienced nothing of the sort. The only news that the people are allowed to listen to comes from the North Korean government. Listening or reading outside media sources is strictly prohibited and enforced by government officials. According to Reporters Without Borders, Kim Jong-il began restricting all outside literature, television, etc. in 2008; some have been executed for violating the law.
Punishment for such minor violations, of which should not be considered violations in the first place, are severe and often deadly. It is estimated that 200,000 North Koreans are currently living in concentration camps, where they are tortured, starved and forced to work.
As Americans, we are aware of what is going on, although many are still in the dark as to how severe North Korea’s problems are. With advanced nuclear technology, it is difficult to take action against such a country. We knew what was happening in Rwanda, and yet we were only concerned about our own citizens. Learning more about North Korea makes me think, if nuclear weapons weren't involved, America might just remain silent again.
http://en.rsf.org/north-korea-kim-jong-il-03-05-2010,37290.html
http://singularityhub.com/2011/05/12/satellite-images-of-north-korea-prison-camps-find-200000-living-as-slaves/
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