Iwao Hakamada, falsely detained 47 years and 7 months for murder of family, may receive around $2 million in compensation. Defense lawyers are considering seeking state compensation

TRANSLATION:

>Mr. Hakamada, whose acquittal is confirmed after the prosecution declined to appeal, will receive compensation from the government based on his claim; since he was detained for over 47 years, the maximum compensation is expected to exceed 200 million yen.

Mr. Hakamada was arrested on August 18, 1966, and held for approximately 47 years and 7 months until his release on March 27, 2014. According to the Criminal Compensation Law, if a person is taken into custody in a criminal case and found not guilty, compensation of 1,000 to 12,500 yen per day of detention is provided. The amount of compensation is to be determined by the court that receives the claim, taking into consideration the mental anguish and whether the police or prosecutors were negligent.

>Mr. Hakamada’s defense team is also considering seeking state compensation in light of the fabrication of evidence. At a press conference on August 8, Hideyo Ogawa, secretary general of the defense team, said, “In the judgment (of the Shizuoka District Court), the responsibility of the prosecutors and police is acknowledged, and I think the case will be settled at an early stage”.

Imagine being arrested for 47 years and being told each day was worth 1,000 yen…