In order to protect victims of sexual crimes, the Cabinet decided to revise the Code of Criminal Procedure, etc.
In addition, it was decided to establish a system in which defendants on bail would be required to wear GPS if necessary in order to prevent them from escaping overseas.
In criminal proceedings, the victim's name and address are listed in the arrest warrant or indictment, and there are cases in which the perpetrator may inflict further harm on the basis of that information. The revised bill was approved by the Cabinet.
According to this, if a judge or prosecutor determines that it is necessary to protect the victim of a sexual crime, etc., it will be allowed to show the perpetrator an arrest warrant or indictment that does not indicate the name and address, and the individual will be identified. It is said that criminal proceedings such as arrest and trial can proceed without revealing identifying information to the perpetrator.
Establishment of a system for defendants to be equipped with GPS to prevent overseas escape
In addition, in recent years, the number of courts granting bail has increased, and there have been a series of cases in which defendants on bail have escaped, such as former Nissan chairman Ghosn fleeing to Lebanon. Therefore, if the court deems it necessary, we have included the establishment of a system to have the defendant wear a GPS.
It is said that facilities such as airports and ports that are prohibited to enter while on bail will be designated, and when the person enters there, the location information will be grasped by GPS, and the investigative agency will be able to secure the person.
In addition, detainees on bail who do not show up for trial or who leave their homes designated by the court for a certain period of time are newly subject to punishment, and both are punishable by imprisonment for up to two years.
The government intends to enact the bill in the current Diet session.