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Rapid reaction forces latest group to siphon bribes from merchants

in ASIA/FAR EAST/PRESS RELEASE/REGIONS by

Local North Korean officials were reportedly shocked recently when, according to sources in Hyesan, Ryanggang Province, merchants selling illegal items pushed back against Rapid Reaction Forces that were demanding bribes. “Earlier this month, on the anniversary of the Party’s foundation (October 10), authorities from the Rapid Reaction Forces (RRF) began circling the jangmadang in Hyesan ‘in accordance with the holiday’, demanding bribes from merchants. However, many pushed back or fled the scene, with some responding, “How many times have we already had to pay the authorities this month?” a source in Ryanggang Province informed Daily NK on October 24. Kim Jong Il established the RRF under the Ministry of People’s Security (MPS) and tasked the unit with “stamping out the subversive elements of society”, and those attempting to incite anti-government riots. Bribes demanded by the RRF come in addition to the other fees merchants must already pay to the market’s management unit, the police, and Ministry of State Security (MSS) agents on national holidays. Considering RRF’s origins and official objectives, the prevailing opinion is that they have no business invading the markets and harassing merchants. Residents have pointed out that there are three other government organizations already fulfilling that role. “On top of the already chaotic situation in our country, it seems that every person that gains any power just uses that to exploit the people and take every last dime they have, even from the poor and downtrodden. There is no hope left for the people, and nobody in power to help them”, a separate source in Ryanggang Province said.”The authorities have no reservations about destroying people’s lives. The mere sight of the authorities in the markets is driving people to new levels of fear as more and more money is extracted from the people”.

North Korea fuel prices soar after UN sanctions capped supply

in ASIA/FAR EAST/PRESS RELEASE/REGIONS by

Petrol and diesel prices rose sharply in North Korea after its sixth nuclear test and as the UN Security Council imposed new sanctions capping fuel supply. In the capital Pyongyang and northern border cities of Sinuiju and Hyesan spiked to 2.51 dollar per kg as of September 13, up 45.1 per cent from 1.73 dollar per kg on September 5 and Diesel prices also surged 61.5 per cent from 1.30 dollar per kg to 2.10 dollar per kg during the same period. According to Reuters analysis of data compiled by the Daily NK website. North Korea launched a missile over Japan into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday in defiance of the new Security Council. Anyway the White House national security adviser H.R. McMaster said on Friday, after the latest North Korean missile launch, that the United States was running out of patience: “We’ve been kicking the can down the road, and we’re out of road”.

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