The Association for Supporting Prisoners of Conscience of the Family Movement for Realizing Democracy of south Korea in its statement on Feb. 27 held that Jaju Minbo had conducted open and legitimate activities for independence, democracy and reunification for the past 15 years and taken the lead in implementing the June 15 joint declaration and the October 4 declaration.

The decision to ban the paper is part of the Park Geun Hye regime's reckless suppression of political parties, organizations and activists calling for progress and reunification under the pretence of public security by kicking up a whirlwind for "eliminating followers of the north," the statement said, adding:

The harsher suppression gets, the stronger the resistance of justice grows and the second and third Jaju Minbo will appear.

The Pastorate Council for Realizing Justice and Peace of south Korea also released a statement on Feb. 26.

It warned that the arrogant and ego-driven Park's regime is bound to face a stern punishment.

It urged the regime to immediately stop its suppression of fair-minded intellectuals, religionists, politicians and media persons.