Gov't crackdown seen as continued 'retailiation' for nuclear test
The Japanese government has been getting tougher on the association of pro-North Korean residents in the country following Pyongyang's first nuclear test two months ago. On November 27, hundreds of security officials raided seven chapters of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, or Chonryon. The search was based on allegations that a member of the pro-North Korean organization had tried to smuggle 60 containers of Ringer's solution out of the country for use in biological weapons. The house of a 74-year-old female member of the group was also searched. These probes were followed by another query into a temporary employment agency where one of the pro-Pyongyang association's executive members was working, on allegations that the company was in violation of an employment law. And on December 5, a former association member was arrested on charges of helping North Korea-affiliated companies and offices evade taxes and provided accounting services without a license, according to Kyodo News agency. It comes as little surprise to observers that the citizens' association was subject to investigation, since the Japanese government views the group as a bane. Still, the recent spate of probes is unprecedented in that the searches were carried out in an intense and indiscriminate manner, as well as the fact that the allegations seem largely insubstantial. The Ringer's solution case had already been investigated and was officially closed in May, and the temporary employment agency was investigated two-and-a-half years ago. The association said that the latest search into its chapters resulted in Japanese authorities confiscating less than one box of documents, mostly letters and receipts.Nevertheless, the Japanese government continues to tighten control regarding the association, with major media in the country joining the moves by functioning largely as mouthpieces for the investigative authorities. For example, the Ringer's solution allegations came directly from the Japanese government, as did reports that a medication the 74-year-old woman was carrying could have been used in making nuclear weapons. These moves by the Japanese government seem to be designed to apply pressure on the North Korean regime following Pyongyang's October 9 nuclear test. Immediately following the test, Japan imposed a ban on the flow of people and items to and from the North, a move that prompted an outcry from the association, which called Japan's moves a "violation of human rights." The association said that the Japanese government is intentionally making a stir in order to portray Chongyon as a criminal organization. The Rodong Sinmun, the organ of the North's ruling Workers' Party, warned that such "political provocation" would only lead to a showdown between the two countries. A diplomatic source, asking not to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue, called Japan's latest moves "excessive," adding that it is proof that Japan has no leverage in dealing with the communist country at a time when the six-party talks are about to resume after a year of stalemate. Please direct questions or comments to [englishhani@hani.co.kr]
