North Korean leader Kim Jong Un orders execution of 'treacherous' uncle

State media has confirmed that Chang Song-thaek, who was the powerful uncle of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, was executed for treachery.

16:22 13 December 2013

According to state news agency KCNA, Chang Song-thaek, the once powerful uncle of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, had admitted earlier this week his attempt to overthrow the state. Following this admission and his dramatic removal from a special party session via armed guards, it has been confirmed that he was subsequently executed for treachery.

According to state media reports, Chang is alleged to have confessed: "I was going to stage the coup by using high-ranking army officers who had close ties with me or by mobilising armed forces under the control of my confidantes.

"I didn't fix the definite time for the coup. But it was my intention to concentrate my department and all economic organs on the cabinet and become premier when the economy goes totally bankrupt and the state is on the verge of collapse."

Meanwhile, the US have issued a statement saying: "If confirmed, this is another example of the extreme brutality of the North Korean regime. We are following developments in North Korea closely and consulting with our allies and partners in the region.”