JCP secretariat head criticizes passage of contingency-related laws

Japanese Communist Party Secretariat Head Ichida Tadayoshi on June 4 criticized the ruling Liberal Democratic and Komei parties as well as the opposition Democratic Party of Japan for railroading the contingency-related laws through the House of Councilors.

He said, "The laws are not intended to defend Japan against possible attacks from abroad, but to have Japan fully cooperate with the United States in wars based on the preemptive attack strategy around the world."

"These new laws enable the Self-Defense Forces to supply ammunition to the U.S forces, and allow U.S. military ships without non-nuclear certificate to call at Kobe Port in central Japan, which currently refuses foreign ships without the certificate to enter the port.

In the name of "protection of the people", the laws empower the government in supposed national emergencies to conscript privately-owned land, housing, and other provisions, and to mobilize workers of transport and medical services as well as to control media reports. Ichida added, "These measures flagrantly renege on fundamental human rights, freedoms of speech, publication and press, and property rights, which are guaranteed by the Constitution."

As regards the DPJ's approval of the bills, he said, "The party basically discussed and approved the bills on the same forum as the LDP." (end)