Choi Minkyeong escaped five times from North Korea, was caught by Chinese authorities and deported back to the brutally repressive nation four times, and finally made it to freedom in South Korea 12 years ago.

Getting into Canada has proven to be another daunting challenge.

The defector was effectively prevented from entering this country Friday for a visit to raise awareness about North Korean human-rights abuses, after attending a United Nations forum in Geneva.

"I felt terribly embarrassed and deeply, deeply disappointed  … I was regarded, in effect, as a person with a criminal record.”{ai:summary}<p>Choi Minkyeong, a North Korean defector, has faced significant challenges in seeking freedom. After escaping North Korea five times and being deported back by Chinese authorities, she finally settled in South Korea 12 years ago. </p><p>Recently, her attempt to enter Canada for a visit to raise awareness about North Korean human-rights abuses was thwarted after attending a UN forum in Geneva. #society</p>

'She was the victim, not the criminal': Federal officials blocked North Korea defector from entering Canada

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