Iwao Hakamada: Japan’s Longest-Serving Death Row Inmate Receives…

Iwao Hakamada, Japan’s longest-serving death row inmate, received ¥142 million in compensation for wrongful imprisonment spanning 46 years. Convicted in a controversial quadruple murder case in 1966, Hakamada was exonerated in 2024 after evidence manipulation was uncovered. Despite the financial settlement, experts note it can’t compensate for the psychological trauma endured during his incarceration.

Iwao Hakamada, Japan’s longest-serving death row inmate, has been awarded ¥142 million (about $1.4 million) after spending 46 years imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. Convicted of a quadruple murder in 1966, he was officially exonerated in 2024 after the court found that police had manipulated evidence and coerced his confession. Hakamada’s compensation equals ¥12,500 per year of wrongful imprisonment, despite arguments that no financial recompense can address the psychological harm caused by his unjust imprisonment.

Formerly a professional boxer, Hakamada’s life turned tragic when he was linked to a gruesome murder of a family in Shizuoka Prefecture in June 1966. The victims included the soybean factory owner, his wife, and their two teenage children. Though Hakamada was arrested based on blood and gasoline evidence found on his clothing, he later retracted his coerced confession, claiming it was obtained under duress.

In 1967, police discovered five blood-stained clothing items in a miso tank, which became central to the case against him. Amidst his denials, Hakamada was convicted by the Shizuoka District Court in 1968, with a narrow ruling of 2-1. The dissenting judge left the court in resignation, troubled by the conviction of an innocent man. After decades of advocacy, a retrial in September 2024 ultimately led to Hakamada’s exoneration, with the court declaring him innocent.

At the time of his acquittal, his 91-year-old sister, Hideko, expressed concern over Hakamada’s mental state, noting his inability to understand or celebrate his release. She described her brother as living in a world apart, unable to recognize reality or engage in meaningful conversation about the trial. This highlights the severe psychological impact of his prolonged detention on death row.

Iwao Hakamada’s case underscores the judicial failings leading to wrongful convictions, and the psychological toll such experiences inflict on individuals. His exoneration after 46 years emphasizes the importance of rigorous evidence evaluation and advocacy against coercive interrogation practices. The compensation, while record-setting, cannot fully address the enormity of his suffering and loss, reflecting broader systemic issues in the justice system.

Original Source: news.abplive.com