The execution of a fisherman listened to a radio station in North Korea

A Radio Free Asia report, citing North Korean sources, stated that a man who owned a North Korean fishing boat had been publicly executed for listening to banned foreign radio stations while at sea.

The man, known as Choi, was said to be in his forties, shot in front of 100 boat captains and a fisheries executive.

North Korea has strict rules governing the behavior of its citizens that prohibit them from listening to most foreign radio stations.

However, international broadcasts can be captured while in open waters.

Choi, who is said to have owned a fleet of more than 50 boats, is believed to have been patronized by a member of his crew "after he became unpopular."

The Radio Free Asia report quoted a North Korean official as saying that he confessed to the authorities and was charged with "sabotage against the party."