The 10th court hearing was held in Mr. Suraj’s trial for state compensation.

The 10^th court hearing in Mr. Suraj’s trial for state compensation was held on Jun 24 (Mon). This time, the main agenda was adjustment of the court schedule ahead. The chief judge expressed his strong will to deliver the judgment by himself, and the schedule was set so that we can conclude the trial by the end of this fiscal year. We can expect the chief judge would be fair in judgment, though no optimism is warranted on the situation.

After the court, the plaintiff’s lawyers confirmed the schedule of hearing, and mentioned the Committee for the Inquest of Prosecution, which has been a pending matter. We, APFS, have received many inquiries about the Committee for the Inquest of Prosecution, such as “ I demand the immigration department officials to face criminal charge, since what they have done was a crime. Is there any possibility for the Committee for the Inquest of Prosecution to be held, when the case is dropped?” Over 1,000 signatures have been collected for requesting forced prosecution from the Committee for the Inquest of Prosecution. The plaintiff’s lawyers said that the Committee would definitely be held on a timely basis, and the signatures would not be wasted.

Following is the court schedule ahead.

TBD implies change on the date. When the date changes, we announce the new date on this blog.

-       10 a.m. ~ 5 p.m., September 13 (Fri), Court Room no. 706

Hearing on the four immigration department officials.

Other five officials also will be present in court, and be questioned if necessary.

-       (TBD) 10 a.m. ~ 5 p.m., October 23 (Wed), Court Room no. 706

Hearing on doctors related.

-       (TBD) 3 p.m. ~, February 3 (Mon), Court Room no. 705

Closing argument.

In the next hearing, we can witness the questioning to the four immigration department officials, who have not appeared in the court despite they are defendants that leaded Mr. Suraj to his death. Please come to the court on September 13.

A volunteer’s opinion after attending the trial of Mr. Suraj’s case

 Hi, I am Miura, a volunteer of APFS.

 Mr. Suraj’s trial for state compensation that was held the other day was the 10^th trial. I would like to write my opinion since attending the 5^th trial in July.

 I had the chance to know the case of Mr. Suraj when I visited APFS for my research. The first time I attended the trial was the 5^th trial. Then, the state’s argument that they had no fault in their doing and their intention to prolong the trial bothered me.

 During the 9^th trial that was held last month, pictures of Mr. Suraj’s deportation were shown, and I believe people who attended the trial must have been shocked by the images they saw. After knowing how the deportation is conducted by the Immigration Bureau staff from the shown pictures, I cannot help but imagine there are victims other than Mr. Suraj.

 As I participate in APFS’ activities, attend the trials, and listen to the explanations on details concerning the case from the lawyers of the defense counsel at meetings, my view that what the staff of Immigration Bureau have done is a crime becomes firm and the suspicion towards the state that does not admit their fault increases.

 Still, it is fortunate that the judge is sincere with the case and I believe the trial is proceeding certainly towards the final decision that should be made by the end of this year.

 Many people’s concern regarding this case and people’s attendance to the trial will be a great power to make clear the truth of the case. Please join us and attend the trial.

Mr. Suraj's Trial for State Compensation: Next court date

The next court date has been set in Mr. Suraj's trial for state compensation.

It will be held on June 24^th (Mon) from 4 pm in Court Room No. 705.

This hearing will be mainly about confirming progress by discussing about the court appearance of the defendant officers and scheduled expert opinions. After the hearing, we will have an open meeting in a separate room with the attorney team. We are planning to explain about the pending issue of an inquest for prosecution too.

Also, the date for cross-examination of immigration officers has also been set. It is September 13^th (Fri), 10 am - 5 pm. Although it is a workday, we hope that many observers will come, since at last it is a questioning of the defendant officers.

Please help us and come as an observer on both dates!