As many as 200,000 North Koreans are currently being held in deplorable conditions across six political prison camps throughout the country, according to a report issued yesterday by South Korea’s National Human Rights Commission.
Citizens are typically placed in the concentration camps without trial for anti-government comments and actions, or for attempting to defect.
The study, based on interviews with 371 North Korean defectors, including 17 former prisoners, describes life within the camps as a constant struggle for survival due to insufficient food, lack of medical assistance, and physical attacks.
Reports of torture, abuse, execution, and sexual harassment are prevalent within the camps.
The report suggests the political prisons are used to create fear, which is one of the most effective tactics used by the totalitarian regime to control its 24 million citizens.