The execution of two entrepreneurs in North Korea caused a great public outcry. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
The incident took place in the city of Pyongyang, where hundreds of people, including school students, were forcibly made to witness it. According to reports, the executed entrepreneurs were around 50 years old and were engaged in selling, repairing, and renting spare parts for electric bicycles, battery-powered motorcycles, and regular bicycles.
Although their activities were officially registered, they were known as "major leaders" due to their large income and popularity among the local population. However, some citizens expressed dissatisfaction, claiming that they set excessively high prices for goods, sold poor-quality products, and treated customers with arrogance.
The entrepreneurs were accused of violating the state's "Law on Rejecting Reactionary Thoughts and Culture," engaging in illegal currency circulation, and collaborating with foreign organizations against the state. They were arrested in August and sentenced to death in early September.
Another 20 individuals connected to them were either exiled or sent to labor camps. The execution was carried out in an open area, and the public was forced to watch it.
According to witnesses, at least 200 people gathered, including students who were excused from classes and brought to witness the event. Officials emphasized that this punishment was carried out to prevent economic disorder in the country and to serve as a lesson to other entrepreneurs.
Analysts believe that this incident indicates the North Korean government's efforts to impose stricter control over private business activities. Furthermore, the execution took place shortly after Kim Jong Un's visit to China, demonstrating the government's strict policy aimed at maintaining internal discipline.
Following the incident, market trade sharply declined, the entrepreneurs' businesses went bankrupt, and the prices of spare parts and batteries increased or they stopped being sold altogether. This situation has caused serious problems in the country's economy.
