The prisoner amnesty ties in with the birthdays of two dead North Korean soldiers . Pyongyang does n't specify how many prisoners will be released . The government periodically gives out amnesties on important prisoners . International organizations estimate that North Korea holds about 500 political prisoners .
The prisoner amnesty ties in with the birthdays of two dead North Korean dictators . Pyongyang does n't specify how many prisoners will be released . The regime periodically carries out amnesties on important anniversaries . International organizations estimate that North Korea holds about 200,000 political prisoners .