Pyongyang, August 3 (KCNA) -- The Media Headquarters of the South Side Committee for Implementing the June 15 Joint Declaration on July 28 issued a statement denouncing the authorities' suppression.

The authorities are unreasonably suppressing magazine Minjok 21 which has conducted legitimate media activities, the statement said.

The Intelligence Service searched the houses and offices of the managing editor and his father and the chief editor of the magazine and is busy making an investigation into them on charges of the violation of the draconic "National Security Law", it noted.

To crack down on the media activities conducted with the legitimate approval by the preceding regime by labeling them "enemy-benefiting ones" cannot be construed otherwise than a base move of the conservative regime to nullify the June 15 joint declaration and violate the freedom of speech, it stated.

The anti-reunification moves of the authorities suppressing the reunification movement organizations and individuals on the strength of the NSL deserve the people's judgment, it stressed.

It demanded the authorities stop at once the suppression of Minjok 21, ensure the legitimate media activities and sternly punish those responsible for the case.