North Korea bans laughing for 11 days during mourning for anniversary of former leader’s death
North Korea has banned its citizens from laughing, drinking and shopping from Friday onwards as part of the 11-day mourning on the 10th anniversary of former leader and Kim Jong Un’s father, Kim Jong-il.
“During the mourning period, we must not drink alcohol, laugh or engage in leisure activities,” a North Korean from the northeastern border city of Sinuiju was quoted as saying by Radio Free Asia, The Telegraph reported.
The source, speaking on a condition of anonymity also told that if anyone’s family dies during the mourning period, they are not allowed to cry out loud and the body must be taken out after the mourning period is over.
“In the past, many people who were caught drinking or being intoxicated during the mourning period were arrested and treated as ideological criminals. They were taken away and never seen again,” the source said.
Kim Jong-il, the second of the Kim family dynasty, ruled North Korea for 17 years until his death on December 17, 2011. Il’s death was not reported until two days later by the state media.
According to agencies, a siren blared for three minutes at midday on Friday and North Koreans fell silent and bowed in respect for Kim Jong-il.
SOURCE: NEWS AGENCIES