CHINA (CSW): A group of 30 North Korean refugees who were recently arrested in China are facing the threat of being returned to North Korea by the Chinese authorities. If they are returned they will face certain torture and likely execution. It is a criminal offence to leave North Korea without permission and the borders are heavily guarded, with arrest teams sent to find and return those attempting to leave the country. China has been an ally in enforcing this policy and regularly returns refugees to North Korea. Since Kim Jong Un, the new leader, took power, the situation for returned refugees is getting worse. In January he issued instructions that the entire family should be executed if a family member defected during the 100-day mourning period.