ACTIVISTS REVEAL JAPAN'S DEATH ROW TO THE WORLD

Japan’s death row inmates revealed to the world their personal stories of isolation and suffering, uninformed until the last minute when they will be taken to the gallows. They were participating in this year's World Day Against the Death Penalty, answering 14 questions in a survey conducted by Forum 90, a civil organisation opposed to capital punishment. "From seven in the morning until seven at night they have to sit still in a small space. If they move, fall over or lie down, the guards immediately force them to sit up again. They only exercise twice a week, for 30 minutes,’’ Akiko Takada, an administrative solicitor and member of Forum 90, said. "Cameras watch them 24 hours a day -- while they eat, use the toilet, do anything." Many said they were falsely charged and sentenced by an unfair justice system. "Their defence lawyers told them during their trials to apologise, so they could receive lighter sentences, even if they were not guilty,’’ Takada said. "Their lawyers give up because 99 percent are found guilty in the current legal system,’’ she said. Many said they needed regular medical attention and were taking medication. Nearly half said they were seeking help from prison chaplains.