What is
“hostage justice”
Have you ever heard of the term “hostage justice”?
This is a rule not to treat suspects or defendants as criminals until their conviction is confirmed in a criminal trial, and that they should be treated as ordinary citizens.
However, in practice in Japan, if the accused who is supposed to be under the “presumption of innocence” claims innocence or tries to remain silent, they can be subjected to long term detention in order to pressure them to confess.
There is also a problem with the “contact prohibition order,” which prohibits detainees from meeting, calling or even sending letters to their family members and friends.
The practice of Japan’s criminal justice system, which places the accused under prolonged detention if they don’t confess, has been called as “hostage justice” and has been strongly criticized internationally, because it tries to obtain convictions by making the accused a hostage.
End “Hostage Justice” in Japan
Our activities
We will conduct research on the “hostage justice” issues by interviewing legal practitioners and researchers etc., and seek to end the problem legislatively and practically by organizing various events and also through lobbying activities.
May 25, 2023
June 30, 2023
The project launch event is held, launch of the project
Jun 2023 and onwards
Various advocacy activities and interviews conducted. Publication of articles on specific “hostage justice” cases
October 2, 2023 (International Wrongful Conviction Day)
Newspaper ad on “hostage justice” (“The Truth Can Be Bent”)
November 10, 2023
“hostage justice” survivor event at the Japanese National Diet
February 22, 2024
Brought together experts and survivors to call for an end to “hostage justice” at an Asia Society Japan event “Guilty Until Proven Innocent”
March 8, 2024
Released an outline proposal for a “Law to End ‘hostage justice’” (drafted by researchers and lawyers from Innocence Project Japan)
TEAM
Founded on April 1, 2016 with aims to support and provide assistance to the victims of wrongful convictions, and also to realize fair and just legal system through re-examination of wrongful conviction cases. Acquitted in 2 cases that IPJ assisted so far.
One of world’s largest human rights NGOs. Investigating human rights issues in over 90 countries around the world in order to stop human rights abuses and protect human rights of all people.
Latest News
01.
Human Rights Watch report
“Japan’s ‘Hostage Justice’”
Japan’s “Hostage Justice”: Denial of Bail, Coerced Confessions, and Lack of Access to Lawyers
On May 25, 2023, a global human rights NGO Human Rights Watch released a report on Japan’s “hostage justice.” It highlights many “hostage justice” cases and requests for improvements in criminal justice system.
02.
Call to Eliminate Japan’s “Hostage Justice” System by Japanese Legal Professionals
In 2019, 1,010 legal professionals and academics requested to eliminate “hostage justice.”
03.
Outline proposal for a “Law to End ‘hostage justice’”
Researchers and lawyers from Innocence Project Japan have developed a draft proposal for a law to end “hostage justice”
04.
Hostage Justice Cases
Collecting Personal Accounts from Those Who Suffered under Hostage Justice
05.
Online Petition to End Hostage Justice
We are participating as a supporting organization in an online petition to end hostage justice. As of July 23, more than 22,000 signatures have already been collected. We appreciate your cooperation.
