US says 'gravely concerned' by human rights abuses in North Korea

State Department spokesman Morgan Ortagus at a briefing at the US Department of State in Washington, DC, on April 17, 2019. PHOTO: AFP

WASHINGTON (REUTERS) - North Korea's government has subjected its people to "egregious violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms" and the United States remains "gravely concerned and deeply troubled" by the abuses, the US State Department said on Monday (May 6).

"Approximately 100,000 individuals languish in political prison camps and their family members and children often suffer by their sides. Further, those trying to flee this oppressive environment, if caught, are often tortured or killed," the department said in a statement issued by spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.