Iwao Hakamada, who was sentenced to death in the so-called "Hakamada Incident," in which a family of four was murdered in Shizuoka Prefecture 57 years ago, the Tokyo High Court ruled on the 13th that "reasonable doubts arose about the evidence used as the basis for his guilt." I decided to allow a retrial = redo the trial.
In the future, the focus will be on whether the prosecution will make a special appeal to the Supreme Court.
Iwao Hakamada, 87, was sentenced to death 57 years ago in 1966 in what is now Shimizu Ward, Shimizu Ward, where a family of four was murdered.
Nine years ago, the Shizuoka District Court issued a decision to allow a retrial, and Hakamada was released for the first time as a death row inmate. I was.
The second Tokyo High Court decision was issued on the 13th, and regarding the evidence "five items of clothing" that was the decisive factor in the death sentence, "there is reasonable doubt about the final judgment that Mr. Hakamada was wearing at the time of the crime." It will occur," and allowed a retrial.
In addition, he said, "We cannot deny the possibility that the clothing was hidden by a third party, and in fact, it is extremely likely that it was the investigation agency."
If the prosecution is dissatisfied, they can file a special appeal to the Supreme Court by the 20th of this month, but the defense team said, "Mr. Hakamada is 87 years old, and continuing the trial will cause unnecessary burden and pain." I have asked the Tokyo High Public Prosecutors Office not to make a special appeal.
If the decision is finalized, a redo trial will be held and the prosecution's response will be the focus in the future, as it will bring the case closer to acquittal.