North Korea is planning to grant a general amnesty next month in the run-up to the 70th anniversary of its foundation day in September, state media said Monday, in an echo of moves done before other key dates in the nuclear-armed country's history.
The North's state-run Korean Central News Agency said Monday that the amnesty would be granted for "those who had been convicted of the crimes against the country and people." It said the process would take effect starting Aug. 1.
"The DPRK Cabinet and relevant organs will take practical measures to help the released people settle down to normal working life," KCNA said in the report.