South Korea pulls down 'Christmas tree' condemned by North as propaganda warfare
North Korea had previously threatened to bomb the Christian symbol
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Your support makes all the difference.South Korea has pulled down a “Christmas tree” on its border with the North after the totalitarian state threatened to bomb it as “religious propaganda”.
Christian groups had previously decorated the 60ft tower, near the city of Gimpo, with lights and topped it with a cross during the festive season.
But being only two miles from the border, it could be seen by North Koreans in nearby towns and was condemned as propaganda warfare.
The tower had been a point of controversy since it was erected in 1971, according to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, reflecting the volatile relationship between the warring states.
When relations warmed in 2004, South Korea banned local Christians from decorating it following an agreement by both countries to stop propaganda activities by the border.
But it was allowed to resume in 2010 and 2012 as tensions rose following an alleged attack on a warship and a banned long-range missile test by the North.
An official speaking to Yonhap refuted allegations that the demolition was in response to North Korea’s stance, saying the tower had failed a safety assessment and could collapse.
Religious freedoms are constitutionally guaranteed under Kim Jong-un's government but persecution has been recorded as the state sees them in conflict with its Juche ideology and personality cult around the ruling dynasty.
News of the tower’s demolition came as Jeffrey Fowle, one of three US citizens detained by North Korea, was released.
He had been detained in June on his way out of the country and charged with anti-state crimes after reportedly leaving a Bible in a restaurant.
The US is still working to free Matthew Miller and Kenneth Bae, a Christian missionary, who remain in prison.
The dismantling of the tower came amid heightened tensions as troops from the rival Koreas exchanged gunfire along the border, the second clash in less than 10 days. There were no reports of casualties from either incident.
Earlier this month, there were signs of easing tensions after a high-profile North Korean delegation visited South Korea and agreed to revive high-level talks.
It was the first time senior military officials from the two Koreas had met for seven years.
North and South Korea have technically been at war for more than 50 years as the Korean War ended with an armistice, rather than a peace treaty, in 1953.
Additional reporting by AP
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