P.E.N. declares opposition to wartime legislation

The Japan P.E.N. Club (Umehara Takeshi, president) warned that the wartime bills will trample on the freedom of expression and human rights in a statement adopted by its 46th general assembly in Tokyo on April 24.

The statement expressed concerns that the wartime bills, coupled with three other bills aimed at controlling media may threaten the fundamental principle of democracy, and that anyone who opposes government policies may be punished.

Recalling a history that the Japan P.E.N. Club's activities were banned in relation to the National Mobilization Law of 1938, the statement said that the wartime bills, if enacted, will impose a repressive wartime regime on the people.

The statement reminded both writers and the general public of the dangerous nature of the three wartime bills. (end)