Japan's Prisoners of Conscience: Protest and Law During the Iraq War

This book is a narrative account of the criminal prosecution of three peaceful protesters in Japan during the Iraq War, examining the larger issues raised by the case and offering expert insights into the forces that affect the right to freedom of political speech in Japan.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into a narrative account of the criminal prosecution of three peaceful protesters in Japan during the Iraq War, offering an insightful look into their arrests, trials, and the broader issues raised by the case. Drawing from extensive interviews with defendants, lawyers, eyewitnesses, and other Japanese language sources, the book provides rich descriptions of the individuals at the center of the story, including the charismatic leader of the Tachikawa Tent Village, who has been protesting against U.S. military forces since their deployment in her hometown in the early postwar era. Authored by an attorney with over three decades of experience in researching and writing on Japanese legal issues, the book offers invaluable insights into the forces that shape the right to freedom of political speech in Japan. Moreover, it serves as a poignant illustration of the deep political conflict that has profoundly impacted Japan's defense policy for decades, making it an essential read for scholars and students of Comparative Law, Peace Studies, Japanese Society, and Modern Asian History.

Weight: 374g
Dimension: 155 x 235 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032046266