NARRATIVE – After half a century in prison waiting to be hanged, Iwao Hakamada was finally exonerated by Japanese justice. At 88 years old, this survivor symbolizes the criminal dysfunctions of the Japanese judicial crushing machine.
« Muzai… muzai… “. “Not guilty… not guilty…”: among the hundreds of supporters, curious people and journalists in front of the Shizuoka court (central Japan) who came to witness the outcome of what the Japanese call the “Hakamada affair” at the end of September, the word was first whispered as if it were scratching the lips. Before changing into cries of joy, songs and, finally, spreading throughout the country. Two hours later, in an atmosphere of relief and jubilation, “Muzai” crossed out a white banner proudly brandished by the lawyers of Iwao Hakamada and his sister Hideko, 91, in front of the cameras and under a ballet of television helicopters . “Not guilty» for the accused, the term could have been replaced by “Shame” for the police and the judges who had sentenced him.
Because the verdict, made irreversible since the decision of the Japanese prosecutor’s office on Tuesday not to appeal the acquittal, ends a fierce fight to save…
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