The statement recalled that the Kyonggi provincial police office walked off Hong Kap Phyo, ex-chairman of the Society for National Spirit and advisor to the Solidarity for Implementing the South-North Joint Declaration, on the charge of violation of the "National Security Law" and searched his house on Mar. 18.

This repressive action was taken for the reason that he "praised the north", it pointed out, adding that nobody will be free from being arrested under the NSL if things go on in that way.

It charged that the sycophantic traitorous forces are restricting the freedom of the people and checking the democratization of society and the progress of history while incriminating every act of acknowledging the realities in the DPRK.

Holding that an immediate halt should be put to such frantic violent suppression as violating the freedom of thinking and expression, the statement urged the present authorities to apologize for the recent crackdown and set free the detained at once.

It called upon all the people to strongly denounce the dictatorial forces' persistent repression on the pretext of public security and wage a vigorous struggle for democracy against fascism.