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Hi Blog. As a follow-up to what Debito.org covered last November, here is a Yomiuri article showing how those targeted by the Japanese police for investigation simply due to religious practices are taking action in court to defend themselves. Here’s hoping the police are found culpable, for a change. Big Japan Times expose on this issue here. Arudou Debito
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Muslims file suit over antiterror investigations
The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 18, 2011)
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110517004955.htm
Courtesy of JK
A group of 14 Muslims has filed suit against the central and Tokyo metropolitan governments, demanding 154 million yen in compensation for violations of privacy and religious freedom after police antiterrorism documents containing their personal information were leaked onto the Internet.
The lawsuit filed at the Tokyo District Court accused the Metropolitan Police Department and the National Police Agency of systematically gathering their personal information, including on religious activities and relationships, merely because they are Muslims.
The lawsuit also alleged that after the information was leaked last October, the MPD failed to take sufficient action to prevent its spread.
In late November, a Tokyo-based publisher released a book carrying the leaked documents.
After the leak, “The plaintiffs were presumed to be international terrorism suspects. They were forced to leave their jobs and live apart from their families,” the petition filed Monday at the court claimed.
The MPD has said it is highly likely the leaked documents included internal information from its Public Security Bureau, and has been investigating the leak on suspicion of obstruction of police operations since December.
At a Monday press conference in Tokyo, one plaintiff said: “It’s been six months since the leak, but there’s been no [official police] apology. I haven’t been able to see my family and my life is full of anxiety.”
ENDS
4 comments on “Yomiuri: Muslims file suit over National Police Agency antiterror investigations”
Our fingerprints and photos that we all leave in Narita can be leaked too?
@Let`s talk:
Let’s not jump the shark here. Even if they *were* leaked, which is highly improbable, it’s one thing to have your photo and finger prints out there, it’s another thing to have a published book which details your daily routine, exposes your family and calls you a “terrorist”.
— FYI, I think “jump the shark” means something different than what you were thinking. I think you meant “jump the gun”. Anyhoo, sorry, back on topic.
Was the publisher also charged for dissemination of private information and defamation?
It’s interesting how Muslims are painted as terrorists anywhere. There are so many “breeds” of Muslim, I don’t understand them all myself. My family has very close ties with a Muslim family, I consider them part of my extended family. They are some of the most modern and progressive people I know. At the same time, it’s easy to profile someone based on religion and dress and behavior. Just because some Muslims cry Jihad, there are probably many more Muslims who just want to live their lives and be left alone.
It reminds me of Mormons….most people assume Mormons are polygamist, when the actual Mormons (less than 5% I believe) who are polygamist are essentially excommunicated. (Source: a Mormon acquaintance of mine)
I guess what I’m trying to say is that a little knowledge can go a long way towards tolerance. Easy, right? (note the sarcasm)