Compensation for Wrongly Convicted Man: A Record $1.4 Million for 40 Years of Detention
A Life of Uncertainty and Suffering
Iwao Hakamada, a Japanese man, has been awarded a record-breaking $1.4 million in compensation for his wrongful conviction and 40 years of detention, most of which was spent on death row. The former boxer, now 89, was exonerated last year of a 1966 quadruple murder after a tireless campaign by his sister and others.
A Conviction Built on Flawed Evidence
Hakamada’s conviction was based on a confession he made during an interrogation, which he later retracted. The court found that he had suffered "inhumane interrogations meant to force a statement (confession)" and that police had tampered with evidence. This led to a retrial, which resulted in his acquittal in September.
A Long and Arduous Journey to Justice
Hakamada’s sister and supporters had been fighting for his innocence for decades, and their efforts paid off in the end. The Shizuoka District Court’s decision to award him $1.4 million in compensation is a testament to their tireless efforts.
A Record-Breaking Compensation
The payout represents 12,500 yen (US$83) for each day of the more than four decades that Hakamada spent in detention, most of it on death row. This amount is a record for compensation of this kind, according to local media.
A Life of Mental Health Suffering
However, Hakamada’s legal team has said that the money falls short of the pain he suffered. Decades of detention, with the threat of execution constantly looming, took a major toll on his mental health, leaving him "living in a world of fantasy".
A Legacy of Justice
Hakamada is the fifth death row inmate granted a retrial in Japan’s post-war history, and all four previous cases also resulted in exonerations. His case serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring that justice is served, and that innocent lives are protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was Iwao Hakamada convicted of?
Hakamada was convicted of a 1966 quadruple murder. - How long was he detained?
He was detained for more than 40 years, most of it on death row. - How much compensation was awarded to him?
$1.4 million, a record for compensation of this kind. - What was the reason for his wrongful conviction?
The court found that he had suffered "inhumane interrogations meant to force a statement (confession)" and that police had tampered with evidence. - How many death row inmates have been granted retrials in Japan’s post-war history?
Five, including Hakamada’s case. All four previous cases also resulted in exonerations.