(In a
recent interview, Justice Minister Hatoyama strongly
iterated reasons for continued executions. Is this a
political flip-flop designed to parry criticisms?)
--Director.
Hangings not humane way: Hatoyama
Kyodo News
Justice
Minister Kunio Hatoyama said Wednesday he is aware how
death row inmates are executed in Japan and wondered if
there were more "peaceful" ways of killing them other than
hanging.
"I am fully aware that 'death by hanging' is written in the
Criminal Code," he told the Lower House Judicial Affairs
Committee.
Hatoyama, who viewed the Tokyo Detention House gallows
after taking office in August, said inmates "fall from a
square place with a thump."
"I feel (it would be good) if there were more peaceful
ways" to carry out executions, he said.
He also seemed to support having people from outside the
Justice Ministry participate in his intraministry study
group on the death penalty. "I'd like to have an
opportunity to hear the voices of those who are against the
death penalty," said Hatoyama, who in September sparked
controversy by saying executions should be done
systematically without written orders from the justice
minister.
The
Japan Times: Thursday, Oct. 25, 2007
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