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Article: JAPAN: OPPONENTS OF DEATH PENALTY SEEK HELP FROM ABROAD
- Article from:
- Inter Press Service English News Wire
- Article date:
- March 12, 2008
- Author:
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Catherine Makino
Inter Press Service English News Wire
03-12-2008
TOKYO, Mar. 12, 2008 (IPS/GIN) -- Abolitionist lawmakers in
Japan are appealing to the international community to pressure
their government to end the rising number of death sentences and
hangings.
The international appeals are particularly vital because support
for their stand at home appears to be dwindling.
"We need the international community to draw attention to our
country and wake up our citizens," said Nobuto Hosaka, a member of
the lower house of parliament (Diet).
Hosaka added that Japanese people should "be made aware their
country is disregarding human rights."
"Death sentences have rapidly increased in the past ...