North Korea is arguably the most repressive regime in the world. Testimony from those who have visited and those who have successfully fled that part of the globe reveal a deep and entrenched disregard for basic civil liberties. Christians, especially, face severe persecution, and North Korea has been consistently No. 1 on the World Watch List of Open Doors, an organisation that helps persecuted believers.
It comes as rather suspect, therefore, that the State News Agency has carried an interview with Robert Park, a Christian who illegally entered N. Korea to protest against human rights abuses, in which he praises the regime and even speaks of their loving generosity.
Most probably a propaganda ploy, the interview comes at the same time that N. Korea is saying that he will be released following his "repentance" for his entering North Korea. It will be interesting to hear of his story once he is safely back in America or South Korea, although he may be under strict warning that others may suffer should he speak out.
Recently N. Korea has been keen to foster improved relations with the US, despite moving forward in aggressive policies, and the desire to continue developing the relationship with the US is the most probable reason for the announcement of Park's release.
