Key Takeaways:
• A Japanese Court has acquitted Iwao Hakamada, world’s longest-serving death row inmate, of a 1966 quadruple murder.
• The case is likely to reignite discussions about abolishing the death penalty in Japan.
• This decision marks Hakamada as the fifth death-row inmate to be acquitted post-retrial in Japan’s postwar history.
• Presented evidence suggested that Hakamada was victim to evidence fabrication during his initial trial.
Massive Victory for Justice
Los Angeles, CA – Iwao Hakamada, a former boxer, celebrated a groundbreaking court decision today. At 88-years-old, Hakamada makes history as he has been cleared of murder charges set in 1966, after the world’s longest wait, amounting to 58 years of legal battling. Hakamada’s case will undoubtedly add fuel to the discussion surrounding abolition of the death penalty in Japan.
A Flawed Case
Koshi Kunii, the Shizuoka District Court’s presiding judge, noted that there were multiple fabrications of evidence in Hakamada’s case. Hakamada was convicted and sentenced to death in 1968 for the alleged murder of a company manager, including three of the manager’s family members. Hakamada appealed for a lengthy period, avoiding execution due to Japan’s notoriously slow-paced criminal justice system.
Despite the highest conviction rate in the world, standing at 99%, this case has cast a shadow over the integrity of the Japanese legal system. Hakamada spent a staggering 48 years behind bars, with 45 of those on death row, as recognized by Amnesty International.
Long Road to Justice
The fight for justice has been an arduous one for both Hakamada and his family. Hakamada’s sister, Hideko, waited for nearly six decades for the court’s verdict. After the verdict announcement, she expressed her jubilation outside the courthouse, thanking everyone who supported them all these years.
Signs of a Miscarriage of Justice
Hakamada has always maintained his innocence, even going as far as to write a letter to his mother during his trial in 1967 proclaiming his innocence. In 2014, he was released from prison when a court ordered a retrial based on the speculation that Hakamada’s conviction was based on fabricated claims by investigators.
Hakamada’s physical and mental health were significantly affected by his imprisonment. According to his sister, after his release, Hakamada would just pace around inside the apartment and was too afraid to venture outside. His numerous years in solitary confinement profoundly impacted his mental health, a fact that his sister and supporters claim by referring to his prolonged fear of execution.
Advocates for Justice
Amnesty International, amongst other rights groups, have constantly criticized the prosecutors for prolonging this trial. Their representative, Boram Jang, commented, “After enduring almost half a century of wrongful imprisonment, this verdict is an important recognition of the profound injustice Hakamada has endured for most of his life.”
A Call for Legal Revision
Hakamada’s case highlights the need for a revision of Japan’s retrial system. His case involved multiple instances of coerced confessions and possible evidence fabrication, leading to several legal experts calling for modifications to the system. For now, this court decision is seen as a monumental victory for those advocating for the abolition of capital punishment in Japan.
Source: CBS News