Amnesty International Condemns Hangings in Japan

Execution chamber
at Tokyo Detention Center

Amnesty International said today that Japan's decision to hang three prisoners after nearly 2 years without executions is a huge step backwards for a country that has taken positive steps over the last year in terms of the death penalty.

Justice Minister Toshio Ogawa authorized the executions of 3 men, hanged in jails in Tokyo, Hiroshima and Fukuoka, explaining that this was his 'duty' as minister.

"Today's hangings are a huge step backwards," said Catherine Baber, Amnesty International's Asia-Pacific deputy director. "They bring Japan back into the minority of countries which still execute civilians. Justifying acts which violate human rights as a 'minister's duty' is unacceptable. Leaders have a responsibility to address crime without resorting to the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment."

Tomoyuki Furusawa, 46, was executed at Tokyo detention center; Yasuaki Uwabe, 48, was executed at Hiroshima detention center; and Yasutoshi Matsuda, 44, was executed in Fukuoka.

Uwabe’s lawyers raised concerns that Uwabe suffered from mental illness, but the courts ruled he was competent to stand trial.

Executions in Japan are done by hanging and usually carried out in secret. Prisoners are typically given little or no warning before they are executed.

Amnesty International called on Japan to join the more than 2/3 of countries worldwide that have abolished the death penalty in law or practice and declare a moratorium on executions.

Source: Associated Press, March 29, 2012

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