Consequently, the safeguards established for ordinary crimes do not exist for political crimes. Political crimes suspects are therefore at a particular risk of arbitrary treatment, and left without protection. Even more concerning is the fact that, according to the testimonies of numerous defectors, the existing provisions supposed to uphold the right to liberty and security are very often not followed in the DPRK, leaving the alleged criminals without any guarantees to have a fair trial, and in arbitrary detention. Moreover, detainees in short-term prisons are commonly imprisoned without criminal conviction by a court of law. Thus, even though most detainees in the ordinary prison system are convicted to a defined prison term by a court, it is often the judicial process itself that lacks the most basic guarantees of a fair
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According to the COI, enforced disappearances are a deliberate feature of the system, sending warning to the population that anyone who does not demonstrate absolute obedience can purely disappear. The arbitrary detention of political opponents is a widespread practice and often even extends to their relatives. Detention under guilt by association is a particularly unique punishment imposed on persons carrying no individual responsibility, in blatant violation of the right to liberty and security. Although it is said to be less used than in the past, thousands of people are still believed to be held under guilt by association in political prison camps. The majority of them reportedly do not know the reasons for their imprisonment and have never been officially charged. In conclusion, contrary to its international legal engagements, the most fundamental principle of due process of law are routinely violated by the regime. The judicial system does not fulfill the basic requirements of independence and impartiality, and in the absence of legal and institutional safeguards during the proceedings, a large array of other connected rights
According to the COI, enforced disappearances are a deliberate feature of the system, sending warning to the population that anyone who does not demonstrate absolute obedience can purely disappear. The arbitrary detention of political opponents is a widespread practice and often even extends to their relatives. Detention under guilt by association is a particularly unique punishment imposed on persons carrying no individual responsibility, in blatant violation of the right to liberty and security. Although it is said to be less used than in the past, thousands of people are still believed to be held under guilt by association in political prison camps. The majority of them reportedly do not know the reasons for their imprisonment and have never been officially charged. In conclusion, contrary to its international legal engagements, the most fundamental principle of due process of law are routinely violated by the regime. The judicial system does not fulfill the basic requirements of independence and impartiality, and in the absence of legal and institutional safeguards during the proceedings, a large array of other connected rights