Family of Deceased Okawara Case Victim Sues 37 Judges Over Denied Bail
The family of Shizuo Aijima, a former advisor at Okawara Chemical Machinery who died in custody in 2021, has filed an unprecedented state compensation lawsuit against 37 judges. The suit, filed at the Tokyo District Court on April 6, 2026, seeks 168 million yen in damages, alleging judicial misconduct for repeatedly denying bail despite Aijima’s deteriorating health and advanced gastric cancer diagnosis. Aijima was arrested in March 2020 by the Metropolitan Police Department on fabricated charges regarding illegal exports, a claim later confirmed as false in civil proceedings. While the police and prosecutors have apologized, the family argues the judiciary remains accountable for endorsing 'hostage justice' that contributed to Aijima's death. His seven bail applications were rejected during his detention, preventing adequate medical treatment. This landmark case challenges the inviolability of judicial decisions and aims to hold specific judges legally responsible for their role in the wrongful detention and subsequent death of the victim, highlighting systemic issues within Japan's criminal justice system.
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Family of Deceased Okawara Case Victim Sues 37 Judges Over Denied Bail
The family of Shizuo Aijima, a former advisor at Okawara Chemical Machinery who died in custody in 2021, has filed an unprecedented state compensation lawsuit against 37 judges. The suit, filed at the Tokyo District Court on April 6, 2026, seeks 168 million yen in damages, alleging judicial misconduct for repeatedly denying bail despite Aijima’s deteriorating health and advanced gastric cancer diagnosis. Aijima was arrested in March 2020 by the Metropolitan Police Department on fabricated charges regarding illegal exports, a claim later confirmed as false in civil proceedings. While the police and prosecutors have apologized, the family argues the judiciary remains accountable for endorsing 'hostage justice' that contributed to Aijima's death. His seven bail applications were rejected during his detention, preventing adequate medical treatment. This landmark case challenges the inviolability of judicial decisions and aims to hold specific judges legally responsible for their role in the wrongful detention and subsequent death of the victim, highlighting systemic issues within Japan's criminal justice system.
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