A panel advising the Justice Ministry and National Police Agency has come out in favor of maintaining the controversial substitute prison system, known as "daiyo kangoku," in effect guaranteeing the system will be maintained.
The ministry and agency, during the upcoming ordinary Diet session, plan to seek legislation regarding people in detention prior to sentencing based on the panel's decision. But the Japan Federation of Bar Associations will step up its criticism that the system results in miscarriages of justice.
At the panel's meeting Friday, most of the nine members condoned the substitute prison system, saying it is practical in terms of making investigation processes transparent, according to the members.
Only two members clearly opposed maintaining it, they said.
Suspects who have been arrested are usually detained in a police facility for up to 23 days before being indicted. Release on bail is unlikely as long as they plead not guilty or remain silent.
Indicted defendants are also kept in such detention.
Given such circumstances, the bar federation has urged the government to abolish it.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.