The Shizuoka District Court in Japan has acquitted 88-year-old former boxer Iwao Hakamada in a retrial for a 1966 quadruple murder, overturning his previous death sentence and making him the world’s longest-serving death row inmate. This decision marks the fifth time a death-row convict has been found not guilty in postwar Japanese criminal justice, potentially reigniting a debate about abolishing the death penalty in Japan.
Legal experts and rights groups have criticized the prolonged trial process, with prosecutors demanding the death penalty even during the recent retrial. Hakamada’s case has been marred by fabricated evidence, forced confessions, and an arduous legal battle lasting 58 years. Supporters point out the toll his nearly half-century detention took on his mental health, necessitating changes in Japan’s retrial system.
The recent ruling highlighted the issue of false evidence and inhumane investigation methods, stating that key evidence against Hakamada was fabricated. His lawyer called the decision “groundbreaking” and urged prosecutors not to appeal, as the case has now come to a close. Hakamada’s sister, Hideko Hakamada, who has fought tirelessly for his innocence, emphasized the need for easier access to retrials and revisions to the criminal law.
The acquittal of Iwao Hakamada sheds light on the flaws in Japan’s criminal justice system and the impact of wrongful convictions. As the country grapples with issues of fairness and accountability, Hakamada’s case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding justice and protecting individuals from miscarriages of justice.
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