Speech #1090124664

Increased restrictions on freedom of speech and the press: closure of newspapers and journals. banning of politically sensitive books. periodicals. and films. and jamming of some broadcast signals. Restrictions on the freedom of assembly. including detention and abuse of demonstrators and petitioners. Restrictions on religious freedom. control of religious groups. and harassment and detention of unregistered religious groups. Restrictions on the freedom of travel. especially for politically sensitive and underground religious figures. Forcible repatriation of North Koreans and inadequate protection of many refugees. Severe government corruption. Increased scrutiny. harassment and restrictions on independent domestic and foreign nongovernmental organization (NGO) operations.