The average annual income of Japanese Diet members in 2002 dropped 6.2 percent from the year before to 26.93 million yen, the lowest level since 1993 when an income and asset reporting system for national legislators was introduced, according to data released Monday by the Diet. This drop is attributed partly to the 10-percent pay cut that went into effect in April 2002 and to the protracted economic slump.

Among the legislators of the Lower House is Muneo Suzuki, who has been in detention since he was arrested by Tokyo prosecutors in June of last year. Strangely, though, he has received a full year's pay, including twice-a-year bonuses. Similarly, Lower House legislator Takanori Sakai has been paid regularly every month since he was arrested in March on charges of taking illegal donations.

Both men have refused to give up their seats in disregard of Lower House resolutions calling for their resignations. Maintaining their innocence, they are determined to fight it out in court. It does not stand to reason, however, that they should continue to draw their pay. Obviously, they cannot perform the normal duties as legislators while in detention. At least a pay freeze or a similar measure seems in order.