The Tokyo District Court dismissed a journalist's suit Wednesday over the press club system and government discrimination against freelance reporters, ruling media access to court proceedings does not fall under freedom of the press.
Yu Terasawa, 38, had demanded 2.48 million yen on grounds that his access to the court system was limited because he was not a member of the "kisha kurabu" (reporter club), saying it was unfair discrimination against freelance journalists and an obstruction of freedom of the press, in violation of Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.
In April 2003, Terasawa was in Sapporo to cover the trial of a former police officer charged with illegal possession of drugs and guns.