< Anchor>
The
U.S. released a report that analyzed how religious freedom is being upheld in countries around the world. North Korea reports executions and torture for religious activities, while China continues its crackdown in Xinjiang Uyghurs and Tibet.

I'm a Washington correspondent.

<Reporter>

The U.S. Department of State has released its 200 International Religious Freedom Report, covering nearly 2022 countries around the world.

First, he pointed out that North Korea is known to execute, torture, and physically abuse individuals for their religious activities.

Visitors also reported that religious activities in North Korea were being controlled by the authorities for propaganda purposes, and criticized North Korea for encouraging all citizens to report anyone who participates in unauthorized religious activities or possesses religious materials.

[TONY BLINKEN, U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE: We will continue to hold accountable where freedom of religion and belief is suppressed, and ultimately push for freedom of religion and bebeest to become a reality for all.]

The U.S. designates countries with systematic crackdowns on religious freedom as countries of particular concern, and North Korea is likely to be included in the list of countries of particular concern for the 22nd consecutive year in its year-end announcement.

The report also noted that China continues to control religious groups and restrict the activities of believers who threaten national interests.

In particular, the suppression of Xinjiang Uyghurs, Tibetan Buddhists, and Falun Gong was cited as representative issues.

[Rashad Hussain, U.S. Ambassador for International Religious Freedom: China has arrested, imprisoned, and deported Uighurs, especially Muslims, to re-education camps.]

Regarding Korea, I mentioned the controversy in Korea over the alternative military service system and the anti-discrimination law.

(Video Interview: Oh Jeong-sik, Video Editing: Kim Ho-jin)