North Korea tops persecution list

For the fourth straight year, North Korea remains atop the 2006 Open Doors World Watch List of 50 countries where Christians are persecuted the most. The annual list ranks countries according to the intensity of persecution Christians face for actively pursuing their faith.

Tens of thousands of Christians are currently suffering in North Korean prison camps where they face cruel abuses, according to the 2006 World Watch List report. Open Doors’ staff estimates that hundreds of Christians were killed by the regime in 2005.

“North Korea is the most repressive nation in the world. It certainly deserves its No. 1 ranking on the 2006 World Watch List,” said Open Doors USA President Carl Moeller. Saudi Arabia holds the second spot on the list for the fourth year in a row. Rounding out the top 10 are Iran, Somalia, Maldives, Bhutan, Yemen, Vietnam, Laos and China. (EP)