References:

Human Rights Practices in North Korea

Answers

In the U.S.

In the United States, despite the fact we might not like the views of the pamphlets they are protected by free speech. As long as the people have persimmon to be in the area, not violating loitering laws, they are with in their legal rights to hand out these pamphlet. The pamphlets may not however speak of doing specific violent acts to people. If they on the other hand promote general violence, they are protected.

 

In Korea

In Korea, these people would be immediately arrested. While the information should "theoretically" be protected by free speech the National Security Law overrides the amendment. Prosecutors continued to indict dissidents under the NSL for producing, selling, or distributing pro-North Korean or pro-Communist materials. Court precedents allow Koreans to possess these kinds of publications for purely academic use, profit, or curiosity, but not with the intent of subverting the State. Because prosecutors are allowed wide latitude in determining motives for possessing or publishing such material, people continued to be arrested for such NSL violations.

 


Last updated 2000/07/31

Nathan Hamblen
Diane Dennison
An Nguyen
Ben Moser
Jeff Grant