Authorities in North Korea executed three underground church leaders last May, according to a recently leaked news report.

The Voice of the Martyrs Canada reported that police raided a home in Pyongan province where 23 Christians had gathered together. They arrested 20 believers and put their leaders to death. 
    
North Korea harshly persecutes Christians and believers are forced to worship in secret.

U.N. Appeal for Crimes Against Humanity

Christian Solidarity Worldwide, a human rights group, has appealed to Europe's foreign ministers to support a United Nations inquiry into crimes against humanity committed by the communist nation.

"The regime in North Korea is committing the most barbaric violations of human rights and it is time that the U.N. General Assembly took meaningful action to prevent the continuing suffering of the North Korean people," CSW's National Director Stuart Windsor told Christianity Today.

"A Commission of Inquiry to investigate crimes against humanity is an essential step towards justice and an end to impunity, and we urge the EU to support this recommendation and work proactively to achieve it," he said.

Meanwhile, the Voice of the Martyrs is urging prayer for believers in North Korea "who follow Jesus at great risk."

"May they have opportunities to meet together and provide encouragement to one another," the group said.