4 days ago
Editorial: Review of false charges against Japan machinery maker lacks root cause
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has released the results of its review of the false charges involving Yoohama-based machinery manufacturer Ohkawara Kakohki Co. The police's investigation had been deemed illegal in a state compensation lawsuit.
Evidence unfavorable to the prosecution was disregarded, leading to an unjust accusation. Yet, the fundamental cause of this injustice remains unclear.
The report recognized that an assistant manager and their superior in the MPD's Public Security Bureau had pressed forward with a criminal case despite cautious opinions from those around them. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry had expressed doubts about the bureau's interpretation that Ohkawara Kakohki's equipment was subject to regulation, but this information was not adequately shared with upper management.
The review concluded that the Public Security Bureau chief and other senior officials had failed to exercise effective leadership, resulting in dysfunction in the investigative command system.
However, it is difficult to say that the review truly addressed the circumstances that led to the false charges. The document summarizing findings includes an assistant manager's statement saying, "We approached the investigation with a desire to contribute to society, not for awards or promotions," but this alone does not explain the bureau's reckless actions.
When submitting a report of interviews with four experts to the trade ministry, the bureau even included "statements" favorable to the investigation that were never actually made. This suggests the content may have been fabricated. Yet, the review results do not address this issue at all.
The wrongful accusation took place amid the push to strengthen economic security by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's second administration. The investigation was conducted under the premise that equipment capable of being diverted to military use had been illegally exported, raising suspicions that the Public Security Bureau was eager to boost its track record.
Disciplinary action by the MPD was limited to two individuals including the assistant manager. None of the prosecutors involved in the indictment, which was deemed illegal, faced punishment.
A former adviser to Ohkawara Kakohki was detained for an extended period and eventually died of cancer. Can we describe the police response as an appropriate way to take responsibility for causing such a serious human rights violation?
In recent years, a string of retrials have ended in acquittals, shaking public trust in the judiciary. Investigative authorities must sincerely confront these issues.
The latest review was conducted only internally and failed address the underlying conditions that allowed the illegal investigation to occur. Without a third-party investigation to uncover the truth, there is no guarantee that similar cases can be prevented.
