Public executions are held frequently in North Korea,...

Public executions are held frequently in North Korea, though the North Korean authorities try to deny the fact. These executions are conducted after summary trials or Kangaroo courts at which judges or lawyers are not present. Usually local police officers conduct the summary trials and sentence the criminals to death. The police authorities generally put up a public notice informing the residents of the time and place of the executions together with the names of criminals to be executed. The executions are held in open areas where the masses can watch the execution process. In Hamhung, the executions are usually held on the sands near a bridge. In Shinuiju and Chongjin they are held in open spaces on the riverside; in Wonsan on a public playground; in Pyonggyang in open areas near Mt. Obong and Samadong village. The executions are usually conducted by a firing squad under the orders of police officers. Sometimes the condemned are hanged. The crowds watch while the condemned criminals are gagged, and their eyes covered. After the executions, people watching are told by police officers to throw stones at the dead bodies as a token of their hatred for the criminals.