U.S. senators introduce resolution calling for religious freedom in N. Korea
2015/02/10 04:58
WASHINGTON, Feb. 9 (Yonhap) -- U.S. senators have introduced a resolution calling for protecting religious freedom in North Korea and other countries around the world, saying thousands of people are held in prison camps in the communist nation for attempting to practice their faith.
Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK) submitted the "resolution calling for the protection of religious minority rights and freedoms worldwide" (S.Res.69) last week, together with seven co-sponsors, including Sens. John Thune (R-SD) and Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS).
The resolution pointed out violations of religious freedom perpetrated in the North and 10 other countries, including Pakistan, China and Sudan, and called for the U.S. government to lead international efforts to end such abuses.
The resolution cited the U.S. Commission on International Religious as saying that "over 15,000 people in North Korea are presently incarcerated in prison labor camps for attempting to practice their religion and face constant abuse in attempts to force them to renounce their faith."
On China, the resolution cited the 2013 case of a pastor getting arrested, fined and sentenced to 12 years in prison for "gathering a crowd to disrupt the public order" in what it said is believed to be retaliation for his advocacy on behalf of his congregation and community.
"The Senate urges in the strongest terms that the United States government lead the international effort in calling for the repeal of all existing apostasy and blasphemy laws," the resolution said.
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