Record Compensation for Japan’s Longest-Serving Death Row Inmate…

Iwao Hakamata, Japan’s longest-serving death row inmate, will receive the largest ever compensation in Japan of 217 million yen after being acquitted of murder. His lengthy detention raised serious mental health concerns, and his case has highlighted flaws in the judicial system, sparking debate about coerced confessions and evidence integrity.

Iwao Hakamata, 89, a Japanese man who spent nearly 50 years on death row, will receive 217 million yen ($1.45 million) as compensation—the largest payout for a criminal case in Japan’s history. He was initially convicted in 1968 for multiple murders but was acquitted in 2023 following a retrial that revealed potential misconduct in his conviction.

Hakamata’s lawyers argued he endured severe mental and physical suffering due to his lengthy detention, which made him the longest-serving death row inmate globally. Judge Kunii Koshi supported this, stating that Hakamata had experienced “extremely severe” pain.

Hakamata’s case has a remarkable legal history. He was released in 2014 after serious doubts arose about the evidence against him, including allegations of police misconduct. At his acquittal last September, supporters celebrated his exoneration despite him being unfit to attend due to his mental condition.

Initially charged with the murder of his boss, their family, and arson after a house fire, Hakamata claimed his confession was obtained under duress during long interrogations. Although DNA evidence did not match him, a retrial was delayed for years due to legal complexities. This case has sparked discussions about the flaws in Japan’s justice system, particularly regarding wrongful convictions and the use of forced confessions.

Iwao Hakamata’s case illustrates significant issues within the Japanese criminal justice system, including prolonged legal processes and the possibility of coerced confessions. The record compensation he will receive highlights the impact of wrongful convictions on individuals’ lives. His story remains pivotal, raising awareness and concern about human rights and legal fairness in Japan.

Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk