Iwao Hakamada Acquitted After 46 Years on Death Row

Iwao Hakamada, the world's longest-serving death row prisoner, was acquitted by the Shizuoka District Court nearly 56 years after his 1968 conviction for a quadruple murder. The court cited serious doubts about the integrity of the evidence presented against him, including claims of coerced confessions and potential evidence fabrication. Hakamada, who spent 46 years on death row and suffered significant mental health issues due to his prolonged solitary confinement, was represented in court by his 91-year-old sister, Hideko. This landmark ruling has reignited discussions about Japan's controversial justice system, which is criticized for its harsh treatment of suspects and reliance on confessions obtained under duress. Human rights advocates, including Amnesty International, call for Japan to abolish the death penalty to prevent similar injustices in the future. Hakamada's case symbolizes the urgent need for reform in Japan's criminal justice system.