In North Korea, the Constitution provides for "freedom of religious belief"; the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is an atheist state. North Korea is officially an atheist state, and government policy continues to interfere with the individual's ability to choose and to manifest his or her religious belief. The regime continues to repress the religious activities of unauthorized religious groups. The government deals harshly with all opponents, including those who engage in religious practices deemed unacceptable by the regime. An estimated 150,000 to 200,000 persons were believed to be held in political prison camps (Kwalliso) in remote areas, many for religious and political reasons. North Korea sees organised religious activity as a potential challenge to the leadership.
(North Korea: A Prison without Bars | National Review Online)
North Korea, a Prison without Bars
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North Korea, a Prison without Bars
Wow. NK has a constitution. Whodathunk?
DPRK's Socialist Constitution (Full Text) 5:Fundamental Rights and Duties of Citizens
Chapter 5 Fundamental Rights and Duties of Citizens
...
Article 68
Citizens have freedom of religious beliefs. This right is granted by approving the construction of religious buildings and the holding of religious ceremonies.
No one may use religion as a pretext for drawing in foreign forces or for harming the State and social order.
So citizens have freedom of religion but only if approved by the state. In other words, you have it unless we say you don't.
I would think the bigger concern would be the state's violation of Article 67, which is written much more broadly:
Article 67
Citizens are guaranteed freedom of speech, of the press, of assembly, demonstration and association.
The State shall guarantee conditions for the free activity of democratic political parties and social organizations.
DPRK's Socialist Constitution (Full Text) 5:Fundamental Rights and Duties of Citizens
Chapter 5 Fundamental Rights and Duties of Citizens
...
Article 68
Citizens have freedom of religious beliefs. This right is granted by approving the construction of religious buildings and the holding of religious ceremonies.
No one may use religion as a pretext for drawing in foreign forces or for harming the State and social order.
So citizens have freedom of religion but only if approved by the state. In other words, you have it unless we say you don't.
I would think the bigger concern would be the state's violation of Article 67, which is written much more broadly:
Article 67
Citizens are guaranteed freedom of speech, of the press, of assembly, demonstration and association.
The State shall guarantee conditions for the free activity of democratic political parties and social organizations.
North Korea, a Prison without Bars
I expect some aspects of the constitution are suspended while the country's at war. Didn't the USA do much the same when it rounded up and detained US citizens whose family origin fell within a subset of belligerent states during World War Two, for example?
Long Live General Kim Jong-un, the Shining Sun!