Laos outrages rights groups by turning back on N. Korean defectors

Special to WorldTribune.com

The Laotian government allowed North Korean agents to seize and return a group of 9 North Korean defectors to China.

A N. Korean defector holds a picture of nine young N. Koreans during a rally in Seoul protesting Laos' repatriation of the youngsters. /AP/Ahn Young-Joon — A N. Korean defector holds a picture of nine young North Koreans during a rally in Seoul protesting Laos’ repatriation of the youngsters. /AP/Ahn Young-Joon

The defectors will likely be transited back to a homeland known for punishing defectors with life sentences in concentration camps.

The group, aged 15 to 23, escaped North Korea and went to Laos, a common transit point for North Korean refugees who subsequently arrange for transfer to South Korea or other free nations.

However, in early May, the Laotian police descended on the group and arrested all of them including a South Korean pastor couple who accompanied the young defectors.

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9 young defectors, Laos outrages rights groups by turning back on N. Korean defectors, North Korean concentration camps

Laos outrages rights groups by turning back on N. Korean defectors added by World Tribune on June 12, 2013
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