Here’s a breakdown of the key facts from the provided text,summarizing the case of Shizuo Aishima and related issues in Japan‘s justice system:
The Case of Shizuo Aishima:
Wrongful Arrest & Indictment: Shizuo Aishima,a former advisor to Ohkawara Kakohki,was arrested in 2020 on suspicion of illegally exporting sensitive equipment. He maintained his innocence.
Denied Bail: He was repeatedly denied bail (8 unsuccessful requests) despite his deteriorating health.
Died in Detention: He died of stomach cancer in February 2021 before his name was officially cleared.
Unlawful Arrests: The Tokyo High court ruled the arrests and indictments of Aishima and two colleagues were unlawful, awarding damages to the families. The court criticized investigators for ignoring exculpatory evidence and violating due process.
formal Apology: tokyo police and prosecutors formally apologized to Aishima’s family at his graveside, acknowledging a flawed examination and a breakdown in the chain of command. They specifically apologized for the illegal investigation, arrest, and denial of bail which hindered his medical treatment.
Family Response: Aishima’s wife accepted the apology but stated she would “never forgive” the wrongful actions. This was the first time a bereaved family had accepted an apology in this case.
Systemic Issues Highlighted:
Investigative Failures: Internal reports revealed dysfunction within both the police and prosecution services, including a failure to properly weigh evidence and a lack of fairness in the process.
Due Process Concerns: The case raised serious questions about due process and the rights of the accused in Japan.
* Pattern of Wrongful Convictions: The article links this case to another recent instance of a wrongful conviction – Iwao Hakamada, who was the world’s longest-serving death row inmate and received an apology after being exonerated after nearly six decades. This suggests a potential systemic problem within the Japanese justice system.
In essence, the article details a tragic case of a man who died while unjustly detained, and it exposes significant flaws and a lack of accountability within the Japanese legal system.
