Statement by the Rescue Committee for Crackdown on 5.7 Anti-Nukes Demo!!!!!
*WHAT
On 7th May 2011, more than 15000 protesters joined “May 7th, No Nukes Demonstration!!!!!”, which was held at Shibuya, Tokyo. The march was fabulous as diversity of participants gave their voices of “no nukes” heard. However, the police hindered the demonstration in deploying large amount of riot police which divided the demonstrators into smaller blocks. Due to riot police distraction, it took three hours for all the demonstrators to start walking under the rain. Riot police often stopped the march by surrounding the marching blocks. A list of malicious acts of the police could be endless.
Many of participants reported on Internet how riot police were evil to the protesters. If no police distraction, the protesters would have fully enjoyed freedom of demonstration.
*THE ARREST HAPPENED
In the midst of such situation, four of protesters were taken away by the police. Of two were released on the day but the other two are still in police custody. The police insisted that it was on-the-spot arrest for suspicion of obstructing executive officers. It was totally ridiculous. It was the police that obstructing the demonstration in the first place. Instead, we would like to arrest the police for obstructing our protest.
*AIM OF THE RESCUE COMMITTEE
The rescue committee has been set up by people who determined not to tolerate such unlawful arrest. The rescue committee aims at saving and releasing the two arrestees. The committee is providing the two arrestees with legal support as well as moral support action.
The two were arrested just because they took part in the anti-nukes demonstration which is not in favor of the current government. Our freedom has been oppressed under the name of state-of-emergency while the society and the social value have fundamentally questioned by the Fukushima nuclear power crisis. Freedom cannot be deprived by one’s belief and thought.
*CONDITION OF THE TWO ARRESTEES AND WHAT COMES NEXT
As of 9th May, the two arrestees were incarcerated separately at Harajiku Police Station and Yoyogi Police Station. Though they had minor injuries such as bruises and scratches at the arrest, they are in a good health condition.
The two are being caged and questioned by the police for a crime they did not commit.
The police investigation in Japan is conducted without sitting with a lawyer. In a closed room, the police force you to “confess” a crime which you did not commit. Yet the two courageously keep their right to remain silent, which is the best way to protect yourself as well as your comrades.
The prosecutors can keep arrestees in custody up to 23 days without charging. The 23 days of incarceration is long enough to destroy your living and job that you have.
*SAVE THE TWO ARRESTEES!
As you see, the arrest is completely no ground. We must save the two in custody as soon as possible. The rescue committee is working as much as we could. And we need more help. Thus, the rescue committee calls for your solidarity.
*WHAT YOU CAN DO:
1. SEND US YOUR SOLIDALITY MESSAGE
Our lawyers can show your message to the two arrestees. Send your message/drawing / picture via an A4 format attached file to the rescue committee at 57nonukyuen@gmail.com
We would like to put your solidarity massage on the Rescue Committee website. Please
send your message with your name and affiliation (if any) to our email.
2. SPREAD THIS CASE AROUND
This unlawful arrest was plotted to intimidate and damage anti-nukes movements. Please circulate the case through your network. Especially, those who have own media, spread the news to the broader public.
3. SEND DONATION TO THE RESCUE COMMITTEE
The rescue committee needs quite a large amount of funding for lawyers and other expenses. We ask your donation.
For the JP Bank uses;
Account: 00140-2-750198
Name: Minnanokyu (ミンナノキュー)
Branch：019
Touza Accoount: 0750198
Please note that it is for the two arrestees.
*CONTACT:
Ishida Bldg. 5th Floor, 2-8-16 Shinbashi, Minato-ward, Tokyo
Tel: +81-33591-1301 Fax: +81-33591-3583
Email: 57nonukyuen@gmail.com
