Japan bar association criticizes crackdown on distribution of political fliers

Japan Press Weekly

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Japan bar association criticizes crackdown on distribution of political fliers

The Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA) on November 6 adopted a resolution criticizing restrictions on distribution of political fliers and called for their unhindered distribution.

At its human-rights convention in Wakayama City, the JFBA for the first time adopted such a resolution that squarely brings up the abuse of police power by citing the cases that some citizens had been arrested and found guilty of trespassing or violating the National Public Service Law for posting fliers with political content in mailboxes.

The resolution expresses concern that criminal punishment is threatening the constitutional right of freedom of political expression.

It also points out that the United Nations committee on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights is warning Japan to eliminate unreasonable restrictions.

The resolution states that excessive restrictions represent a serious crisis in the overall guarantee of freedom of expression because distribution of fliers is an important means for citizens to express their opinions.

- Akahata, November 7, 2009