SANTA ANA, CA (March 1, 2006) – For the fourth straight year, the isolated communist nation of North Korea remains atop the 2006 Open Doors “World Watch List” of 50 countries where Christians are persecuted the most.

The annual list ranks countries according to the intensity of persecution Christians face for actively pursuing their faith in Jesus Christ. The list is based on evaluations and testimonies obtained by Open Doors’ indigenous contacts, field workers and members of the Persecuted Church.

It is believed that tens of thousands of Christians are currently suffering in North Korean prison camps where they face cruel abuses, according to the 2006 World Watch List report. Some think the hermit regime has detained more political and religious prisoners than any other country in the world. On occasion, North Koreans become Christians after crossing the border with China and entering into contact with local Christians. But many are exposed as believers when they return to North Korea and are targeted to be caught. Many face torture and death. Though no exact figures can be given, Open Doors’ staff estimates that hundreds of Christians were killed by the regime in 2005.

“North Korea is the most repressive nation in the world. It certainly deserves its No. 1 ranking on the 2006 World Watch List,” says Open Doors USA President Dr. Carl Moeller. “It breaks my heart to hear some of the atrocities against our brothers and sisters there.

“Due to the continuing severity of persecution, Open Doors USA has launched a Prayer Campaign for North Korea. Go to our Web site (www.opendoorsusa.org) to sign up to pray for 10 minutes a week. Let’s lift up the needs of our fellow believers in North Korea and in all the countries on the World Watch List.”

As a member of the North Korea Freedom Coalition (NKFC), Open Doors USA is partnering with NKFC during the North Korea Freedom Week April 24-30, 2006. To get your church involved in this event, including ordering prayer materials, contact Open Doors USA Advocacy Coordinator Lindsay Vessey at lindsayv@odusa.org. More details will be announced later on the NKFC Web site at www.nkfreedom.org and the Open Doors USA Web site.

Saudi Arabia holds the second spot on the list for the fourth year in a row. Rounding out the top 10 are Iran, Somalia, Maldives, Bhutan, Yemen, Vietnam, Laos and China. In addition to North Korea, countries with communist governments include Vietnam, Laos and China. Islamic-dominated countries are Saudi Arabia, Iran, Somalia, Maldives and Yemen. Buddhism is the state religion of Bhutan.

Religious freedom does not exist in Saudi Arabia where citizens are allowed to adhere to only one religion – Islam. No legal protection is provided for freedom of religion; neither does this protection exist in practice. The legal system is based on Islamic law (Shariah). Apostasy – conversion to another religion – is punishable by death. Open Doors recorded more than 70 expatriate Christians who were arrested in 2005 during worship in private homes in what has been called Saudi Arabia’s largest crackdown on Christians in a decade. Most of the arrested Christians were released over a period of time.