Worst Christian Persecution Expected in Saudi Arabia, North Korea

A UK-based Christian human rights group says that in 2008 some of the harshest persecution endured by Christians is likely to take place in states where Christianity is illegal - North Korea and Saudi Arabia.

“Imprisonment … continues to be a fact of life for secret Christians in North Korea,” says Tim Peters of Helping Hands Korea, which supports refugees escaping the repressive regime of Kim Jong-Il.

“Pressures include an absolute ban on owning a Bible, assembling to pray or to read the Scriptures, and evangelism - even of one’s own children. Being discovered as a member of the underground church inside North Korea can result in one’s entire family being sent to a prison camp.”