North Korea Declares Victory in Suppression of Religious Practice

North Korea's government claims it has successfully eliminated all religious activity within its borders. Officials in Pyongyang state they have crushed underground churches in what they call a victory in their "war on religion." However, human rights organizations and defectors report a different situation. They say that secret Christian worship and other religious practices continue despite a harsh government crackdown. Those caught practicing their faith risk severe punishment. North Korea's ruling ideology treats organized religion as a threat to its authority. The international community continues to label North Korea as one of the world's most oppressive states for religious freedom.