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
Release of Human Rights Watch’s report on “hostage justice”
June 30, 2023
The project launch event will be held, launch of the project
June 2023 ~
Various advocacy efforts and interviews will be conducted.
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.”
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.”
