December 28, 2011: In this image made from KRT television, a hearse is driven during a funeral procession of late North Korean leader Kim Jong Il in the snow in Pyongyang, North Korea. (AP)
PYONGYANG -- Following the mourning period for former leader Kim Jong Il, North Korean authorities have begun to punish citizens who did not display enough sadness at his death, The Daily NK reported Wednesday.
The Daily NK, an online newspaper based in South Korea and run by opponents of the North Korean government, said it had learned from a source in North Hamkyung Province that, "The authorities are handing down at least six months in a labor-training camp to anybody who didn't participate in the organized gatherings during the mourning period, or who did participate but didn't cry and didn't seem genuine."
Daily NK also said that the source reported that those critical of the country's dynastic system - which saw Kim replaced by his son Kim Jong Eun - were being sent to re-education camps or banished with their families to remote areas.
In addition, the paper said, the source reported public trials were being held for those who attempted to leave North Korea during the mourning period for Kim and even for those who used mobile phones to call out.
However, it said it had not been possible to verify that claim.
Kim died December 17 after nominating his son as successor.