In pictures: Purge of Chang Song-thaek
- Published
Chang Song-thaek, the once-powerful uncle of the North Korean leader, has been executed, state media has reported, after committing "unpardonable treason".
Mr Chang (rear left), who was married to late leader Kim Jong-il's sister and seen as his close confidante, had until recently held a number of top-level positions.
He had been seen by outside observers as a mentor figure - perhaps even the power behind the throne - in the administration of Kim Jong-un, who inherited the leadership when his father died in December 2011.
He was often pictured alongside Mr Kim, who is thought to be in his late 20s or early 30s, as he performed official duties and visits.
He even paid a visit to China, where he met then President Hu Jintao, in a brief tour seen as focusing on economic development deals.
News of his fall from grace came first from South Korea, whose intelligence service reported two of his close aides had been executed.
Then came further signs - Mr Chang was being edited out of official footage, including this documentary shown on North Korean state television.
On Monday North Korea confirmed that he had been purged, showing images of him being removed from a party meeting.
North Korea then released a photo of Mr Chang in court, with his hands bound. On Friday, North Korean state media said he was tried, found guilty and "immediately" executed.
North Korean media accused Mr Chang of "acts of treachery" and corruption. He was described as "reformist" and "despicable human scum".