Tokyo Two legal proceedings update

Aomori, March 23, 2009 -- Greenpeace today released three key witness statements in support of anti-whaling campaigners Junichi Sato and Toru Suzuki – who are facing trial for exposing a major embezzlement scandal in the Japanese government funded whaling programme.

(c)Greenpeace

The prosecutor in the case has attempted to exclude testimony about the embezzlement, but in a second pre-trial hearing in Aomori earlier today, defence counsel Yuichi Kaido argued that Suzuki and Sato's actions cannot be divorced from their intention to expose embezzlement in the taxpayer-funded Japanese whaling operation. The judge ruled that the prosecutor must justify excluding the evidence.

"The Court needs more time to discuss whether or not to include the embezzlement issue, and I find hope in their concern, "said Mr Kaido. "We will strongly defend the right for concerned citizens to investigate wrongdoing in public enterprises, doing their duty as "watchdogs" of democracy."

A number of independent, international experts have submitted written testimonies to the court, with human rights expert, Prof. Dirk Voorhoof, saying that sanctioning Sato and Suzuki could have "a serious chilling effect on others to report on embezzlement or other wrongdoing", and that a criminal conviction of the two would amount to a "violation of the right of freedom of expression and the right of the public to be properly informed about the whale meat embezzlement in Japan."

Greenpeace is urging the Court to ensure that the whole truth be presented in order for Sato and Suzuki to have a fair trial.

Greenpeace is an independent, global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment, and to promote peace.

Witness statements:
Prof. dr. Dirk Voorhoof (PDF 176kb)
Prof. Donald Rothwell (PDF 64kb)
Prof. William Schabas (PDF 76kb)
Japan's Stolen Whale Meat Scandal Part Two:The Cover Up(PDF 575kb)

Contacts:
Greg McNevin - Greenpeace International Communications
Kyoko Murakami - Greenpeace Japan Communications