As regular readers will know, Junichi Sato and Toru Suzuki, better known as the Tokyo Two, are on trial for intercepting a box of whale meat as part of an investigation into an embezzlement ring within Japan's taxpayer-funded 'research' whaling programme.
The Japanese government subsidises the loss-making whaling programme to the tune of US$5 million a year, making the embezzlement of whale meat exposed by Junichi and Toru a significant crime. But instead of the criminals behind the embezzlement facing justice, it's the Toyko Two who find themselves in the dock.
It's a politically charged case, and although the prosecutor has a duty to disclose all of the evidence for and against Junichi and Toru so they can properly defend themselves, much of the key evidence needed for their defence has been concealed.
This has forced appeals to the Sendai High Court and now the Supreme Court, with the Tokyo Two and their lawyers repeatedly asking for disclosure. While some statements have been disclosed, most of the relevant information in them was redacted in white. Additionally, a total of 15 pages are missing from important statements.
Even the very limited information which has been disclosed contains strong indications that explanations provided by the government in response to the embezzlement scandal were fabrications, and that Junichi and Toru were justified in intercepting the box because they were exposing embezzlement of large amounts of prime whale meat.
The Supreme Court is Junichi and Toru's last chance to get disclosure of evidence that could further prove the embezzlement and, in turn, their innocence.
Take action
Please write as soon as possible to ask that the Supreme Court overturns the decision of the Sendai High Court, and that it orders the disclosure of this material so that a fair trial can take place, in accordance with Japan's obligations under international human rights law.
NB This cyberaction is now closed as the legal defence council is finalising the submission of all appeal documents to the Supreme Court. Therefore, Greenpeace Japan will now present your messages and signatures to the Supreme Court.
Since this cyberaction began a week ago, more than 3000 people have signed the Greenpeace online petition and written messages to the Supreme Court of Japan asking for the disclosure of evidence crucial the Tokyo Two's defence. Thank you!
