Longest-serving death row inmate in the world acquitted in Japan

Iwao Hakamata, a Japanese man who spent 45 years on death row, was acquitted in a retrial of the 1966 murders of four people. Hakamata, 88, was initially sentenced to death in 1968 for killing his company manager and three family members and setting their home on fire. Despite briefly confessing, he maintained his innocence throughout his trial. He was released in 2014 for a retrial based on doubts about the evidence that led to his conviction. DNA tests on bloodstained clothing presented as evidence did not match his blood. His sister, Hideko Hakamata, expressed gratitude and joy at the not guilty verdict, ending their long fight for justice. Amnesty International called the exoneration a pivotal moment for justice and urged Japan to abolish the death penalty. The retrial judge admitted surprise at the groundbreaking verdict. Hakamata’s lawyers argued that fabricated accusations by investigators led to his wrongful conviction. The case highlighted flaws in Japan’s criminal justice system and raised concerns about the use of the death penalty. Overall, the acquittal of Iwao Hakamata represents a significant victory for justice and shines a light on the importance of ensuring fair trials and preventing wrongful convictions.

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