North Korea: Costly military parade planned despite hunger and widespread abuses

Ahead of North Korea’s apparent preparations for a military parade in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People’s Army, Boram Jang, Amnesty International’s East Asia Researcher, said:

“As the capital Pyongyang prepares for an ostentatious military parade, more than 40% of North Koreans suffer from malnutrition amid widespread food insecurity.

“Anyone deemed to act in a manner that is threatening to Kim Jong-un’s government risks being imprisoned for life or could even face execution. 

“The government of North Korea has gone to extreme lengths to conceal its abuses. Authorities maintain a stranglehold on the communication and information flows in and out of the country. People are denied internet access and face arbitrary surveillance, arrest and detention when they attempt to make international calls or access outside information.

“The North Korean government should cooperate with the United Nations and allow independent human rights monitors into the country.”

Parade could happen tomorrow

A military parade marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People’s Army is expected to take place as early as tomorrow (8 February), based on observed preparations by the North Korean military.