North Korean authorities are reportedly conducting fewer public trials and executions of citizens accused of infringements such as attempting to defect, apparently out of concern that "brutal" treatment could trigger a wave of public resentment.

"Until last year, individuals accused of sowing discontent or creating social disorder through offences such as cutting into electric lines [to steal power], watching South Korean media, or attempting to defect, underwent public trials and execution by firing squad", a source in North Korea's North Hamgyong Province told the Seoul-based Daily NK web site.

"But this year, the Ministry of State Security and the Ministry of People's Security have been laying low", the source said.