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S. Korean Prosecution Accused of Demanding
Heavy Penalties for Pro-reunification Patriot

The Secretariat of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea in information bulletin No. 970 on Dec. 25 blasted the south Korean regime for demanding heavy penalties for Rev. Han Sang Ryol who visited the DPRK on the occasion of the 10^th anniversary of the June 15 joint declaration.

The prosecution demanded 10 years in prison and 10 years of the suspension of qualifications for him on charges of violation of the “National Security Law,” the bulletin said, and continued:

This action is a wanton violation of justice and conscience and an intolerable challenge to the desire of the Koreans for reunification.

Han’s visit to the DPRK was a patriotic deed prompted by his ardent desire and strong will for national harmony and reunification.

During his stay in the DPRK he met northerners of various circles, sharing compatriotic feelings. He ardently called on the Koreans to pull efforts to reject outside domination and moves for aggression and anti-reunification forces’ sycophancy and treachery and confrontation with fellow countrymen. He also urged them to defend peace and achieve independent reunification under the banner of the north-south joint declaration.

This being a hard reality, the south Korean regime arrested him soon after he crossed Panmunjom on the charge that he visited the DPRK without its consent  to conduct “illegal” and “enemy-benefiting” activities. It has put him to unbearable persecution for a long period.

The south Korean regime’s recent action disclosed its intention to opt for confrontation with the DPRK and war contrary to the desire of all the Koreans and world public to see the north-south relations improved.

It should stand trial for its acts of division, confrontation and war.

The bulletin called upon the south Koreans and all other Koreans to strongly denounce the puppet forces for their suppression of pro-reunification forces, escalation of the confrontation with the DPRK and moves to launch a war.

It demanded the forces stop at once their actions to punish Rev. Han on groundless charges.