JAPAN: JUSTICE MINISTER TO CONSIDER ABOLISHING DEATH PENALTY

Justice Minister Satsuki Eda said a study group set up by the justice ministry would consider abolition under its review of capital punishment in Japan. "The time has come to look at the global situation and consider whether it is good to have this [death penalty] system," Eda said at a news conference. But he did not elaborate on if he would suspend executions while the study is under way, only saying, "I will consider it carefully."
He also said capital punishment is an irreparable penalty because it claims human lives. "Capital punishment is a flawed penalty," Eda told reporters after assuming the portfolio on January 14. However, the weakness of the DPJ government and high levels of public support for the death penalty mean rapid action is unlikely. Some human rights activists are concerned that notoriously conservative justice ministry bureaucrats will be able to dominate the review.