SHIZUOKA, Sep 26 (News On Japan) –
The Hakamada case, a decades-long authorized wrestle, ended with an acquittal for Iwao Hakamada (88), who, alongside along with his sister Hideko, fought for 58 years. Hakamada was suspected of the 1966 homicide of a miso firm government’s household.
Roughly 70 kilometers from the courthouse in Shizuoka Metropolis, Hakamada spent his quiet days away from the thrill of the supporters celebrating the acquittal.
Supporter: “We simply bought a message that one thing good occurred, Mr. Iwao.”
It has been 58 years for the reason that incident, 44 years for the reason that loss of life sentence was confirmed, and 10 years for the reason that retrial was granted. It has been a protracted and arduous battle.
The ruling got here shortly after 2 p.m. on September twenty sixth. Simply earlier than delivering the decision, the presiding choose invited Hakamada’s sister, Hideko (91), who was attending in his place, to hear from the witness stand, saying, “When you’d like, please hear right here.” The choose then declared Hakamada’s acquittal.
Iwao was suspected of being the perpetrator of a 1966 incident within the former Shimizu Metropolis of Shizuoka Prefecture, the place 4 members of a miso firm government’s household had been murdered. At the moment, he was an worker of the corporate.
Through the trial, the central problem was the “blood-stained clothes” discovered on the backside of a miso tank one yr and two months after the incident.
Whereas the prosecution thought-about this irrefutable proof, the protection targeted on the colour of the bloodstains, arguing that the reddish hue was unnatural and claiming the proof was fabricated by the investigating authorities. They insisted on Hakamada’s innocence.
On the morning of the ruling, Hideko fastidiously ready herself.
Hakamada’s Sister, Hideko Hakamada: “I attempted to put on as a lot white as doable. After combating for 58 years, it’s time to finish this.”
Within the ruling on September twenty sixth, the presiding choose acknowledged the clothes proof as fabricated by the investigating authorities. Different confessions, reportedly recorded in interrogation paperwork, had been additionally judged to have been obtained via inhumane questioning by the prosecution, amounting to substantial fabrication.
What stays is the prosecution’s response.
The previous presiding choose who granted the retrial and accredited Hakamada’s launch on bail 10 years in the past was additionally current.
Former Presiding Choose Hiroaki Murayama: “I hope Mr. Iwao and Ms. Hideko can lastly relaxation. The prosecution mustn’t attraction. In the event that they do, it is going to face overwhelming criticism.”
Supply: ANN