 Court rules Hibakusha Aid Law covers overseas Hibakusha The Nagasaki District Court on March 8 ruled that Nagasaki City's rejection of payment for the funeral for a Korean Hibakusha (A-bomb survivor) who died in South Korea is illegal. This is the first ruling of this kind. Presiding Judge Tagawa Naoyuki stated, "All Hibakusha, including these who now live outside of Japan must be entitled to comprehensive assistance measures established by law," and nullified the city's decision to turn down the application for money for the funeral for Chol Gye-chul, a Hibakusha of Nagasaki, because he was outside of Japan at the time of his death. Paek Rak-im in Pusan, South Korea, had applied for funeral assistance for her husband, Chol Gye-chul, following his death last July based on the Hibakusha Aid Law, but her claim was rejected. She filed a lawsuit with the Nagasaki District Court against Nagasaki Mayor Itoh Iccho, calling for a withdrawal of the city's decision. At issue in court was whether or not the Hibakusha Aid Law covers those Hibakusha who die outside Japan. Lawsuits of this kind have also been fought in Hiroshima and Osaka district courts. (end) |