The Ethiopian National Committee for the Study of Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism said that the DPRK strongly demanded the south Korean authorities repatriate its residents adrift without delay but they are keeping three of five residents under forced detention while talking about "defection" even though they were accidentally adrift in the sea, and ignoring their family members' demand for a face-to-face meeting.

The body said the detention is a wanton violation of the DPRK's sovereignty and citizens' rights.

It bitterly denounced the south Korean authorities for committing the crime against the nation and humanity.

The Sweden-Korea Friendship Association also denounced the south Korean authorities for committing the crime against humanity and demanded that the DPRK residents be sent back to their families.