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Japan Upholds Death Penalty Amid Growing Scrutiny

(FILES) This file picture taken on August 28, 2018 shows Japanese former professional boxer Iwao Hakamada, who was sentenced to death for the murder of four members of a family in 1966, speaking during an interview with AFP in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka prefecture. The world's longest-serving death row prisoner hears from a Japanese court on September 26, 2024 if he will again face execution or finally be acquitted, a decade after obtaining a retrial of his murder conviction. (Photo by Kazuhiro NOGI / AFP) / TO GO WITH Japan-crime-justice-murder-rights,ADVANCER by Tomohiro OSAKI
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Japan’s newly appointed Justice Minister, Hideki Makihara, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to capital punishment, sparking renewed debate over the practice. This stance comes at a time when Japan faces increasing scrutiny over its judicial system, particularly in light of recent high-profile wrongful convictions.

Government’s Position

Makihara, appointed by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, defended the death penalty as an “unavoidable” punishment for certain heinous crimes. He emphasized the need for careful and fair application of capital punishment, reflecting the government’s unwavering support for the practice.

Public Opinion

The death penalty enjoys widespread public support in Japan, with approximately 80% of citizens favoring its retention. This support is often reinforced by high-profile criminal cases that shock the nation.

Controversy and Criticism

The recent exoneration of Iwao Hakamada, who spent nearly five decades on death row before being acquitted, has intensified the debate. Hakamada’s case exposed flaws in the justice system, including questionable interrogation methods and the potential for irreversible mistakes.

Human rights organizations and international critics argue that Japan’s death penalty system is inhumane, citing concerns about wrongful convictions and the psychological impact on inmates awaiting execution.

Execution Method and Prison Conditions

Japan’s use of hanging as its execution method and the practice of keeping death row inmates in prolonged solitary confinement have drawn criticism from human rights advocates.

International Context

Japan remains one of the few developed nations to retain capital punishment, putting it at odds with many of its international peers. This position has led to increased pressure from the global community for reform or abolition.

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Balancing Act

The ongoing debate reflects a tension between maintaining public safety and addressing potential miscarriages of justice. While public opinion and high-profile crimes continue to support the death penalty, cases of wrongful convictions raise serious questions about the practice’s future in Japan.

As the country grapples with these issues, the central question remains: Can Japan’s justice system ensure fair punishment while eliminating the risk of executing innocent individuals?

What do you think?

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