Hyesan residents were recently ordered to take down security cameras in their homes before a major crackdown commences in July, Daily NK has learned.
Speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons, a source in Yanggang Province told Daily NK on June 30 that “neighborhood watch units in Hyesan recently instructed families to get rid of any security cameras they may have installed in their homes. Families were also warned that law enforcement would start looking for security cameras next month and that anyone caught in possession of one would face legal consequences.”
According to the source, some citizens of Hyesan have purchased and installed security cameras to keep an eye on the situation outside their homes and any visitors who may come by. Given a recent rash of raids by law enforcement agents hunting for people consuming foreign media content, people want to be able to distinguish between whom to let in and whom to keep out.
“In North Korea, law enforcement agents raid people’s houses at all hours, which makes it hard to watch South Korean movies or television shows. Installing a security camera makes it possible to instantly check on the situation outside and avoid getting caught,” one Hyesan resident told Daily NK.
Some users of foreign mobile phones, which are illegal to possess, have also installed home security cameras. With the cameras, they can monitor whether agents are approaching while they speak on the phone at home.
“It used to be common for agents to burst in and catch people unawares on their Chinese mobile phones. But after installing a security camera, people who are using their phone can spot the agents approaching and have time to hide the evidence,” another Hyesan resident said.
As the North Korean authorities tighten the screws in an attempt to stop foreign culture from entering the country and domestic information from leaving it, North Koreans appear to be finding their own ways to avoid crackdowns.
Most of these home security cameras have been imported from China. Since they are rather pricy, costing RMB 1,500 (around USD 200) per unit, only about one in ten families have actually installed a security camera, the source said.
The source explained that North Korea’s Non-socialist and Anti-socialist Unified Command, an organization established to crackdown on foreign media consumption, recently learned that more and more people are setting up security cameras in their homes for subversive purposes. As a result, the command decided to launch a large-scale crackdown on the cameras starting in July.
The orders conveyed by the neighborhood watch units appear to be part of that plan.
“The Non-socialist and Anti-socialist Unified Command seems likely to launch its crackdown on security cameras in July. The rumor is that anyone nabbed in the crackdown will be punished harshly to set an example for the others,” the source said.
Translated by David Carruth. Edited by Robert Lauler.
Daily NK works with a network of sources who live inside North Korea, China and elsewhere. Their identities remain anonymous due to security concerns. More information about Daily NK’s reporting partner network and information gathering activities can be found on our FAQ page here.
Please direct any comments or questions about this article to dailynkenglish@uni-media.net.
