Australia bans NKorean artists, accused of 'censorship'

Five North Korean artists have been banned from entering Australia for an exhibition of their work, the government said Wednesday, drawing accusations of censorship from the arts community.

The artists and a translator have been refused visas because it is contrary to foreign policy interests and because they are from a studio linked to North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said.

"The studio reportedly produces almost all of the official artworks in North Korea, including works that clearly constitute propaganda aimed at glorifying and supporting the North Korean regime," a spokesman told AFP.