Japan: Stop the execution of mentally ill prisoners

By
apyn
Published: February 2, 2010Tags:

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Japan continues to execute prisoners who are mentally ill, despite international standards which require those with a serious mental illness to be protected against the death penalty.

Executions in Japan are carried out in secret. Lawyers face major obstacles in obtaining information, including on the health of prisoners, and no prior notice of execution is given. Prisoners live in constant fear that each day may be their last.

Death row prisoners in Japan are kept in harsh conditions, in routine isolation with little human contact. The situation is worst for those with a mental illness, who are likely to suffer additional punishments because of behavior that may infringe the strict rules imposed on them.

The Asia Pacific Youth Network is extremely concerned by the situation of mentally ill prisoners under sentence of death in Japan and is urging the government to comply with international standards.

TAKE ACTION NOW!

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Please sign and send e-versions of these two postcards to the Minister of Justice in Japan.

To:
CHIBA KEIKO
Minister of Justice
Ministry of Justice
1 – 1- 1 Kasumigaseki
Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100-8977
Japan

Dear Minister,

I respectfully urge the Government of Japan to:

  • Immediately introduce a moratorium on executions with a view to reviewing laws which permit the use of the death penalty.
  • Initiate an immediate independent review of cases where there is credible evidence that prisoners are mentally ill.
  • Ensure that prisoners are given proper medical assessments prior to their trials.
  • Improve conditions for prisoners under sentence of death, including ending routine isolation, which may lead to progressive mental deterioration.

and

Dear Minister,

I respectfully urge the Government of Japan to:

  • Initiate an immediate independent review of Hakamada Iwao’s case, including a full medical evaluation.
  • Commute the death sentence of Hakamada Iwao on account of his mental illness.
  • Grant Hakamado Iwao a fair retrial that conforms to international fair trials standards.
  • Immediately introduce a moratorium on executions with a view to reviewing laws which permit the use of the death penalty.

Yours Sincerely (add your details – name, country)