Demonstrations around Diet building opposing bad laws that the new Cabinet seeks

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Demonstrations around Diet building opposing bad laws that the new Cabinet seeks

Demonstrations and rallies in defense of the Constitution and the Fundamental Law of Education took place around the Diet building all day on September 26 when the Diet appointed Abe Shinzo to the prime minister.

A group of about 500 people marched in demonstration with banners and placards expressing opposition to the adverse revision of the Fundamental Law of Education in their hands, chanting, "Let us fight for 81 days until the end of the extraordinary Diet session."

Tanaka Taeko who joined in the march showed her determination by saying, "I will keep going with this movement to defend peace against threats by Abe justifying Japan's past war of aggression and colonial rule."

A 68-year-old woman said, "Elderly people can no longer tolerate the government policies that have forced us to shoulder even heavier burdens. I cannot allow Abe to increase tax rates and adversely revise the education law."

Japanese Communist Party Secretariat Head Ichida Tadayoshi in his speech pointed out that in this Diet session three vital questions, including the understanding of history, the adverse revision of the education law and the Constitution, and quality of living conditions, will be discussed. He stated, "Joining hands with grassroots movements, the JCP will make all-out efforts to achieve our objectives."

In a separate protest action, four organizations including the All Japan Teachers and Staff Union (Zenkyo) held a rally in front of the Diet building and presented a petition with 160,000 signatures opposing the adverse revision of the education law.

In a Dietmembers' office building the May 3 Constitution Day Rally Organizing Committee held a meeting at which JCP Chair Shii Kazuo stated, "Abe's intention to turn Japan into a nation to fight wars abroad is clearer than ever. Let us ask the public if this is to be condoned, and increase the struggle against the adverse revision of the Constitution."

The National Liaison Council to Stop Adverse Revision of the Fundamental Law of Education consisting of a wide range of citizens held a separate rally.
- Akahata, September 27, 2006