The federation said this in a statement on May 18.

The statement went on:

The Japanese reactionaries' arrest of Chongryon officials and search of their houses are a grave provocation and unpardonable human rights abuses against the Korean nation.

Their unlawful suppression of Chongryon was aimed at justifying the extension of independent "sanctions" against the DPRK by stirring up the atmosphere against the DPRK and Chongryon in the Japanese society.

They perpetrated such suppression at a time when the enthusiasm for unity and patriotism are running high among the compatriots' organizations in Japan in the run-up to the 60th anniversary of the formation of Chongryon. This vividly showed how desperately the Japanese reactionaries are working to crack down on and obliterate Chongryon and overseas Koreans.

They can never break the will of Chongryon and Koreans in Japan firmly rallied around the DPRK but harden their will for decisive resistance.