- 14 Mar 2002
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This is heart-breaking to read and unworthy of the third-largest economy in the world.
Mehmet Colak's case, mentioned in the article above, was covered by Mainichi, too. It's equally upsetting.
Japan's hidden darkness: Deaths, inhumane treatment rife at immigration centers - The Mainichi
TOKYO -- Persistent cases of foreign nationals without residency status dying in detention facilities across Japan point to a hidden darkness, at odds
mainichi.jp
Back on the screen in the Mito courtroom, a group of immigration officials enter the room. Footage of them trying to drag the man onto a wheelchair is shown. Though he is clearly in pain, the officials shout "No!" at him in harsh, admonishing tones. Footage shows him falling repeatedly from the bed and wheelchair, ending up writhing on the floor. At around 8 p.m. on the day before he dies, his movements gradually become more languid and his speech became choppy. After a groan escapes his lips, his arms, outstretched toward the wheelchair while he remains on the ground, fall. Unsparing images of a man facing the end of his life play out in the court. The judge watches the images intently, hand over the mouth with a flushed face. At 1 a.m. on the day he died, the man is on the floor, and his head and feet are shaking. Left in that state, he is confirmed six hours later to have suffered cardiorespiratory arrest. [...]
Responding to one question about the case from a judge, a lawyer representing the government said with a smile, "We still haven't gotten a response (from Cameroon)" -- a response that could be interpreted as prejudice toward a developing country. A voice from the gallery could be heard criticizing the government team's attitude, saying, "How can you smile while the responsibility for the loss of a life is called into question?"
Mehmet Colak's case, mentioned in the article above, was covered by Mainichi, too. It's equally upsetting.
Is Japan giving asylum seekers the cold shoulder? Policies suggest answer is 'yes' - The Mainichi
TOKYO -- At least 10,000 people apply for refugee status every year in Japan, and yet less than 1% of those people are recognized by the government as
mainichi.jp