N Korea Bans Its Citizens From Laughing, Drinking For 11 Days To Mark 10th Anniversary Of Kim Jong-il¡¯s Death
North Korea has banned its citizens from laughing, shopping or drinking as part of an 11-day mourning period to mark the 10th anniversary of former leader Kim Jong-il's death.
North Korea has banned its citizens from laughing, shopping or drinking as part of an 11-day mourning period to mark the 10th anniversary of former leader Kim Jong-il's death.
Kim Jong Il ruled North Korea from 1994 until his death in 2011 and was then succeeded by his third and youngest son, current leader Kim Jong Un.
AP
The East Asian nation usually enforces a 10-day mourning period, but since this is the 10-year anniversary, they have instigated an extra 24 hours.
¡°During the mourning period, we must not drink alcohol, laugh or engage in leisure activities,¡± a resident of the northeastern border city of Sinuiju, told Radio Free Asia.
They explained that many activities are prohibited, especially on the anniversary day itself when even grocery shopping is banned.
¡°In the past many people who were caught drinking or being intoxicated during the mourning period were arrested and treated as ideological criminals. They were taken away and never seen again,¡± the source told RFA.
Reuters
¡°Even if your family member dies during the mourning period, you are not allowed to cry out loud and the body must be taken out after it¡¯s over. People cannot even celebrate their own birthdays if they fall within the mourning period,¡± they added.
A second source, a resident from the western province of South Hwanghae, revealed that police were warned in advance to look out for people who don't appear to be grieving.
Reuters
"From the first day of December, they will have a special duty to crack down on those who harm the mood of collective mourning. It's a month-long special duty for the police. I heard that law enforcement officials cannot sleep at all," they said.
North Korea has planned several events to commemorate Kim Jong Il¡¯s life. These include a public display of his photography and art, a concert, and an exhibition of the ¡®Kimjongilia¡¯, a flower named after him.
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