Calling Jay Lefkowitz

According to some fragmentary reports passed along by Human Rights Frontiers, Son Jung Nam — or rather, what’s left of Son Jung Nam after more than a year of torture in a dungeon in Pyongyang — is about to be stood up against a firing squad … if he still lives, that is. (No link on the latest report, which come to me via e-mail). I previously posted on Son’s case here.

In China, a group of 11 refugees between the ages of 19 and 50 is also facing imminent repatriation from China to North Korea. An effort to bribe their way to safety was derailed when it was found that they were in the company of a North Korean government agent who had infiltrated them by pretending to be a refugee. They are coordinating an emergency plea to Congress, so if you’re so inclined, you can write your representatives here. Here’s a sample you can start with, which was drafted as an appeal for Son’s life:

I am gravely concerned at reports that Mr Son Jung Nam (48), a North Korean, is due to be executed this month, and I am writing in order to urge your immediate response and action. Mr Son’s brother Son Jung Hoon reported that he had received a call saying Mr Son has been sentenced to public execution and even family members cannot visit him.

I was deeply disturbed to hear that he is at present imprisoned in the basement of the National Security Agency in Pyongyang and is said to be “˜practically dead from horrible torture.’

Mr Son Jung Nam is accused of betraying the DPRK. I am gravely concerned that the charges and treatment he has received are in severe contravention of international law ““ the basis for all international relations.

I particularly urge your immediate action as Mr Son Jung Hoon has said that he has reason to believe that the execution would be carried out in April. Given the report of torture being used against Mr Son Jung Nam, I am extremely concerned that all necessary measures should be taken as a matter of urgency to ensure his case is dealt with according to the obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which the DPRK is a party.

I would appreciate your rapid response conveying your assurances in this matter.

Our State Department’s tactic of “constructively engaging” the North Korean regime by “sacrificing a few adjectives for the cause” seems to done little good for the cause, but to have cleared the way for plenty of sacrifice.

Jay Lefkowitz was not available for comment. Jay: resign, already.