Professionals of various fields appeal against wartime bills

As the Koizumi Cabinet plans to submit the wartime bills to the Diet, 250 well-known writers, scientists, athletes, photographers, singers, movie directors, cartoonists, and professors on April 9 launched an appeal against the bills.

The appeal states, "Wars take away our freedoms of expression and belief, and prohibit us from enjoying sports."

Emphasizing, "we cannot exist without peace," the appeal calls for an increase movement in opposition to the wartime legislation. (end)