U.S. Protests Against Chinese Repatriation

A U.S. Congressman, Rep. Ed Royce, has strongly condemned the forced repatriation of the 9 refugees detained by Laotian authorities in a letter to Xi Jinping, the Chinese president. It was originally reported that the 9 were held by Laotian police, sent back to China, and sent on to North Korea. However, the Laotian authorities confirmed that the 9 were given directly to North Korean officials. It is likely the refugees will face extremely harsh punishment because of their intentions to go to South Korea.

Congressman Royce is a well-known advocate for human rights in North Korea. In his role as head of the congressional panel for foreign affairs, Royce has repeatedly condemned the North Korean regime for their treatment of citizens.

Congressman Royce is the latest figure to be involved in the fracas. It is unknown what has happened to the 9 in North Korea. The UN and various governments are demanding that the regime allows outside access to the repatriated youngsters to check that they have not been mistreated.

Source: Yonhap News

http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/northkorea/2013/06/01/0401000000AEN20130601000200315.HTML