Iwao Hakamata was awarded ¥217 million by the Shizuoka District Court for his wrongful murder conviction. This compensation, believed to be among the highest in Japan, acknowledges the extensive time he spent in custody and the severe suffering he endured due to inhumane interrogations and fabricated evidence.
On March 26, 2025, the Shizuoka District Court awarded Iwao Hakamata approximately ¥217 million, marking one of the highest compensations for wrongful conviction in Japan. Hakamata had been wrongfully convicted of murder and spent nearly 48 years in custody before his acquittal in a retrial. The compensation was granted as stipulated by the Criminal Compensation Law, which entitles individuals found not guilty to compensation for each day spent in custody.
The court deemed the decision justifiable due to the extensive duration of Hakamata’s detention, 17,389 days, with roughly 33 years spent on death row. The ruling acknowledged the severe mental and physical anguish he endured throughout this time. Additionally, it highlighted that inhumane interrogation methods were used and significant evidence, such as five pieces of clothing, was manipulated by the prosecutorial system, leading to his initial conviction.
In summary, Iwao Hakamata’s case underscores the critical issues surrounding wrongful convictions and the legal framework that supports compensation. The ruling reflects on the profound impact of prolonged wrongful imprisonment and serves as a reminder of the need for justice and reform within the judicial system. This decision may set a precedent for future cases of wrongful convictions in Japan, highlighting the necessity for accountability.
Original Source: japannews.yomiuri.co.jp
