Two prisoners on death sentences in Japan are taking legal action against the Japanese government for the long running practice in the country of only notifying death row inmates a mere hours before they are to be executed. Similar to Malaysia, Japan conducts execution through hanging.
As reported by BBC, the lawyers of both inmates called such practice as ‘extremely inhumane’ as the short notice makes these inmates live in constant fear as they do not know when they will be hanged. The practice has long been criticised by rights groups in the country and worldwide as it affects the mental health of prisoners.
The lawyer for the two inmates, Yutaka Ueda stressed,
“Death row prisoners live in fear every morning that that day will be their last… The central government has said this is meant to keep prisoners from suffering before their execution, but that’s no explanation. Overseas, prisoners are given time to contemplate the end of their lives and mentally prepare.”
For illustration purposes.
The death row prisoners filed a suit in district court in the city of Osaka on Thursday (4 November 2021). It is believed that this lawsuit is the first of its kind. Furthermore, the lawsuit also argues that the short notice in notifying execution doesn’t give them enough time to file for an objection.
They are asking compensation of 22 million yen or approximately RM804,000 from the government. As of today, there are more than 100 people on death row in Japan but none have been executed for nearly two years.
What do you guys think of the lawsuit? Do these inmates have a valid argument? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Also read: People Are Pleading To The SG Govt To Halt The Execution Of Mentally Impaired M’sian On Death Row
