In response to the decision of the Tokyo High Court that allowed the retrial of Iwao Hakamada, who was sentenced to death for the murder of four family members in Shizuoka Prefecture 57 years ago = the retrial, a report meeting was held in Shizuoka City. Hakamada's older sister, Hideko, expressed her joy in front of supporters, saying, "After 4 years of fighting, the retrial has finally started, and I am really happy."
Iwao Hakamada, 87, was sentenced to death 57 years ago in 1966 in the murder of four members of his family in what is now Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City, but after more than 4 years of pleading his innocence, he sought a retrial for more than 40 years, and was granted permission by the Tokyo High Court on March 13.
The Tokyo High Public Prosecutors Office did not file a special appeal to the Supreme Court, and the retrial of Mr. Hakamada was confirmed, and a retrial will be held at the Shizuoka District Court in the future.
On the 21st, a debriefing meeting was held in Shizuoka City, and Hakamada's older sister, Hideko, said, "After 57 years of fighting, the retrial has finally begun, and I am really happy. Thanks to the support of everyone, including my lawyer teacher."
Hideko then spoke of Hakamada, who was still unable to have sufficient conversations due to her long-term detention, saying, "When I told her that the retrial had started and that there was no need to worry about it anymore, she didn't smile, but I think she thinks it's normal."
After this, Mr. Hakamada arrived at the venue and was greeted with loud applause by the supporters who had gathered.
Mr. Hakamada stood in the greeting and said, "It means that we can win with everyone's cooperation, so thank you very much."
Hakamada is increasingly likely to be acquitted in a redo trial that will take place in the future.