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North Koreans in Hoeryong face severe punishments for using Chinese cellphones, with threats of espionages charges and family exile. Three people have already been arrested, leading to anxiety amongst families.
Residents are aware of the strict crackdown, fearing charges of espionage and exile to remote areas. Security officials are targeting Chinese residents too, imposing heavy fines for cellphone use.
The velvet gloves are off
Previous lenient tactics have shifted to harsh measures to force cellphone surrender, although actual punishments may not align with rhetoric. The crackdowns are a source of income for security agents, creating a dilemma.
Despite the crackdowns, individuals find ways to communicate, highlighting the resilience of those relying on Chinese cellphones for their livelihoods.