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North Korean athletes pose with South Korean and Chinese athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics It is said that Upon return, they will face intense scrutiny and possible punishment. In North Korea, where the government exercises strict control and repression over ideology, even an innocent selfie can have serious consequences.
Although the athletes’ selfies Famous Many saw it as a show of unity and sportsmanship, but the government’s response highlighted the harsh realities of North Korea’s oppressive system. The government strictly restricts information, dictating what people can read, watch and discuss, and only allows a handful of senior officials to access the internet. Unauthorized communication with the outside world is severely punished.
In March, Human Rights Watch Record Since 2020, North Korean authorities have banned the use of languages associated with South Korean culture and implemented new laws to further restrict access to unapproved information. Last year, a newspaper with ties to North Korea Reported A group of young North Korean athletes received sentence Sentenced to three to five years of forced labor for using Korean slang.
The scrutiny athletes face after returning from international competitions reflects the North Korean government’s efforts to control its behavior abroad. studentand Worker Those who go abroad also face strict oversight. Five former government officials and two men who worked abroad and escaped North Korea told me that anyone allowed to go abroad undergoes rigorous ideological training, is constantly monitored while abroad, and undergoes detailed evaluations upon return. Even minor deviations from approved behavior are scrutinized, and any signs of outside ideological influence can result in serious consequences.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC), the governing body of the Olympic Games, has a responsibility to protect athletes from all forms of harassment and abuse, as outlined in the Olympic Charter. North Korean athletes should not fear retaliation for their behavior at the Olympics, especially when their actions reflect the values of respect and friendship on which the Olympic Movement is based.
As we witness these rare moments of international connection, governments around the world should support efforts to hold the North Korean government accountable for its horrific human rights violations. The International Olympic Committee needs to use its influence to help protect these athletes and should not encourage participation from repressive countries that don’t keep competitors safe.
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