The older sister of Hakamada Iwao expressed her delight and relief after learning that prosecutors will not appeal the ruling in her brother’s retrial.
Hakamada Hideko told reporters on Tuesday evening that Ogawa Hideyo, an attorney on her brother’s defense team, called her with the news. The 91-year-old said she and the people with her were delighted that it was finally over.
She said she had yet to tell her brother about the latest news because he had gone out. But she said telling him about it was not urgent because he already knows about the non-guilty ruling.
Hideko held a news conference with Hakamada’s defense team later in the day in Shizuoka City. In her opening remarks she said: “Thankfully there will be no appeal. I am very glad that everything is over and the trial is truly ending.”
She added that she is filled with joy and has almost forgotten about the 58 years of suffering. She expressed her gratitude to the many people who gave their long-standing support.
Ogawa, the attorney, said he was glad to hear Hideko say that everything is over. He said he was filled with joy, too.
Ogawa also strongly criticized a statement issued by Prosecutor General Unemoto Naomi. Ogawa said the statement suggests prosecutors believe it is still possible to prove Hakamada’s guilt and have turned a blind eye to the fabrication of evidence against him.