TOKYO (TR) – The Ministry of Justice has instructed regional legal bureaus to consider restricting public access to audio and video recordings of interrogations in state compensation lawsuits filed by victims of illegal questioning, sources revealed on Sunday, reports Kyodo News (May 24).
According to the directive, the ministry is urging courts to examine this crucial evidence behind closed doors during pre-trial preparations rather than in open court. The government claims the move is necessary to prevent “privacy violations” caused by external leaks.
However, the directive is expected to draw fierce criticism as a thinly veiled attempt to cover up investigative misconduct.
The move comes amid a string of high-profile scandals involving prosecutors using verbal abuse and character assassination to break suspects. Critics argue that allowing the state—the very party accused of illegal practices—to bury vital audio and visual evidence will severely hinder efforts to expose flawed and abusive police work.
The controversy coincides with a government proposal to amend the Criminal Procedure Code regarding the retrial system. The bill includes a contentious provision banning the “unintended use” of evidence, sparking swift backlash from lawmakers and supporters of the falsely accused, who argue the state is trampling on the public’s right to know.
When approached for comment, the Justice Ministry’s Litigation Bureau refused to explain the intent behind the directive, stating only that they would “refrain from answering due to the nature of the matter.”
