North Korean prison break

2007-02-07 16:36

Seoul - About 120 North Korean prisoners have escaped a political concentration camp in the northeast of the country and security officials in the area are on high alert, said news reports.

The prisoners escaped the concentration camp in Hamgyong, a province close to Chinese and Russian borders, in December, reported the Dong-a Ilbo newspaper on Wednesday.

Daily NK, a Seoul-based internet news site focusing on North Korea, also carried a similar report on Tuesday.

Both reports cited multiple unnamed sources in North Korea.

An official at South Korea's unification ministry, which deals with North Korean affairs, said he was unable to confirm the reports, but questioned their reliability.

News leaked from the reclusive North shuns outside access and is usually hard to confirm.

Increased security in surrounding areas

The Daily NK report said the area was put in a "state of emergency" after the unprecedented prison break.

North Korean authorities have since tightened inspection in Hwasong and adjacent cities to catch the fugitives, of whom 21 have so far been caught, said the report.

It added that most of the escapees caught were found in China and sent back to the communist North after failed attempts to defect to South Korea.

The Daily NK says the Hwasong prison camp - located deep inside a mountain and encircled by high wire fences - holds about 10 000 prisoners.

Outside help

The escape seemed to have been carefully planned with outside help as the escapees drove off in a vehicle waiting outside the prison, according to the report.

Between 150 000 and 200 000 people are believed to be held in prison camps in the communist North for political reasons, according to US government data.

- AP