A Japanese court has acquitted an 88-year-old former boxer, reversing a decision that made him the world's longest-serving death row inmate. Iwao Hakamada was found not guilty in a retrial for a 1966 quadruple murder, where evidence was deemed fabricated and planted by investigators. This marks the fifth death row inmate to be found not guilty in postwar Japan, sparking a debate around abolishing the death penalty in the country.
Hakamada was convicted in 1968 for the killing of an executive and three family members, spending 48 years behind bars, with more than 45 on death row. The court's ruling highlighted the prosecutors' role in forcing a false confession from Hakamada during an 'inhumane' interrogation.
The case, which began in 1967, saw a lengthy legal battle with multiple appeals for retrial. Hakamada's sister, Hideko Hakamada, played a pivotal role in advocating for her brother's innocence, leading to the latest retrial that resulted in his acquittal.
The court's decision exposed the manipulation of key evidence, including bloodstained clothing planted by investigators. The ruling emphasized the need to prevent prosecutors from appealing and called for potential compensation for Hakamada.
The case has shed light on Japan's legal system, drawing criticism and calls for abolishing the death penalty. Supporters hope Hakamada regains his freedom and lives in peace after enduring nearly five decades of detention, mostly in solitary confinement.
The Hakamada case has sparked discussions on revising criminal laws to facilitate retrials and prevent wrongful convictions. The relentless efforts of Hideko Hakamada and the groundbreaking court ruling serve as a reminder of the importance of justice and fairness in legal proceedings.
