Supporters of a former Japanese professional boxer who has been exonerated in a murder he was convicted of 58 years ago said he was relaxed and watching television at home in Shizuoka Prefecture on Tuesday.
The Japan Pro Boxing Association has supported Hakamada Iwao. Its member Nitta Shosei said his delight is beyond words, as efforts to reverse Hakamada’s guilty verdict bore fruit.
Nitta said he believes the boxing spirit still dwells in Hakamada’s mind, and he expresses his respect for Hakamada’s sister Hideko as well. He added that he hopes Hakamada will live in peace and he will do whatever he can to help him.
Lawyer Murayama Hiroaki was the presiding judge at the Shizuoka District Court, when it approved Hakamada’s retrial in 2014.
Murayama said on Tuesday that the prosecution made a wise decision. He said the decision is in line with the public interest and that further court battles would be meaningless.
He said Hakamada finally obtained true freedom as his sister has wished and that he hopes Hakamada will live as a free person.