China Slammed for Return of North Korean Refugees

China Slammed for Return of North Korean Refugees

Open Doors USA Helps Head Up NK Freedom Week Events April 26-May 3; Interviews Available

SANTA ANA, Calif., April 16 /Christian Newswire/ -- A United States commission said Tuesday that North Korean refugees suspected of meeting with religious groups often are marked for harsh interrogation, torture and long detentions without trial after they are forced by China to return to North Korea, according to reports from several news agencies.

A report by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom called for nations to press China to stop sending North Korean refugees back to their homeland. The commission was created in 1998 to monitor religious freedom around the world and make policy recommendations.

Open Doors USA, along with other members of the North Korea Freedom Coalition, are partnering during North Korea Freedom Week (NKFW) April 26-May 3 in key cities around the county. During that week, the United States and other countries around the world will focus on the massive human rights abuses by the North Korean communist government headed by President Kim Jong Il. The North Korea Freedom Coalition is also urging China to stop the repatriation of North Korean refugees.

"We must speak out about this human rights issue," says Open Doors USA President Carl Moeller. "Please go to our Website www.OpenDoorsUSA.org to see how you can advocate on the behalf of these refugees; many of whom are targeted because of their faith in Jesus Christ."

To set up an interview with Moeller or Open Doors Advocacy Program Manager Lindsay Vessey, call Jerry Dykstra at 616-915-4117 or Email jerryd@odusa.org.

An estimated 200 million Christians worldwide suffer interrogation, arrest and even death for their faith in Christ, with another 200 to 400 million facing discrimination and alienation. Open Doors supports and strengthens believers in the world's most difficult areas through Bible and Christian literature distribution, leadership training and assistance, Christian community development, prayer and presence ministry and advocacy on behalf of suffering believers.

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