China News Agency, Seoul, July 6 (Reporter Zeng Nai) In response to public opinion disputes on anti-DPRK leaflets, the Korean Unification Ministry issued a statement on the 6th saying that freedom of expression is not unlimited and asked Korean civil organizations to stop distributing anti-DPRK leaflets. Threaten the safety of people in the border areas.
In early June, North Korea protested against South Korea's connivance of "North Korean defectors" to distribute anti-DPRK flyers from South Korea to North Korea and the way South Korea handled this, and the relationship between South Korea and North Korea deteriorated rapidly. Subsequently, the South Korean government repeatedly reiterated that it is "prohibited from distributing anti-DPRK leaflets" and called on the DPRK to maintain dialogue.
The Korean Ministry of Unification issued a statement on the 6th to reiterate that South Korean civil society should immediately stop distributing anti-DPRK leaflets to North Korea. This not only exacerbates the tension between South Korea and North Korea, but also threatens the lives and safety of the people in the border areas.
The Ministry of Unification stated that distributing anti-DPRK leaflets violates the laws of South Korea and the Panmunjom Declaration previously signed by the heads of the DPRK and Korea. It is also inconsistent with the spirit of mutual recognition and respect between the North and the South; this act hinders the peace process on the Korean Peninsula and increases The probability of an unexpected conflict between the ROK and the DPRK has increased and the tension on the peninsula has increased.
Recently, public opinion in South Korea has been arguing over the government's ban on the issuance of anti-DPRK leaflets, and some civil society groups have accused "this move violates freedom of expression."
In response, the Ministry of Unification of Korea stated that all citizens’ freedom of speech is guaranteed under the Constitution, but freedom of speech is not unlimited and will severely crack down on illegal activities.
The Ministry of Unification pointed out that many laws in South Korea have clearly stipulated that everyone has the right to express opinions, but also recognizes the limitations of freedom of expression; for the protection of national security and public order and other principles, freedom of speech is restricted by law.
The Ministry of Unification said that by promoting dialogue, exchanges and cooperation, it is an effective way to develop North-South relations and promote the peace process on the peninsula. (Finish)