Once the North Koreans entered Seoul, they initiated mass killings of actual or suspected anti-communists, and the more important political figures were taken to jail.[2] Those specifically targeted were "former Japanese collaborators, high ranking members of the Rhee regime, the National Police, and members of right-wing youth groups".[2]:26 Executions were at times conducted by hastily organized "people's courts"; otherwise, those considered resistors to the North Korean regime were shot on the spot.[3] Around 3,000 citizens died due to such organized round-ups. Apart from these executions, the KPA and their associates were "careful, at least in the initial occupation, to avoid arbitrary and brutal dispensation of justice."[1]:28