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Immigration agency admits to mistreatment of Sri Lankan before her death

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The agency reprimanded the bureau's director and then deputy director as well as two supervisors overseeing the monitoring of detainees.

You’d think murder would deserve more than a reprimand. These jokers are still on the payroll!?

Release the video footage of her last days to the public. Show her pleading for medical assistance. Show the guarding mocking her for her inability to swallow as she dies. These are public employees. Show us the murder we paid for.

112 ( +122 / -10 )

Reprimanded? They should be facing man slaughter charges!

94 ( +103 / -9 )

It's time for Japan to set up an independent agency to investigate cases like this as the truth will never come out and no one punished properly if they always investigate themselves.

This time at least they are admitting some responsibility but I guess the facts speak for themselves and too much media attention.

60 ( +66 / -6 )

Immigration Services Agency of Japan, told a separate press conference, "The Nagoya bureau at that time lacked awareness of its responsibility to ensure the safety of people and respectfully engage with them."

This is so problematic, where do you begin? The staff needed to be made aware safety and respect were part of their responsibilities? The Immigration Services Agency think this statement would in some way explain or mitigate their department's unforgivable behaviour.

It is just a rehash of the I don't remember what happened when I murdered her so please be lenient on me defence that we so often hear from murderers in Japan.

Bizarre that someone in PR would think this was an acceptable thing to say.

47 ( +52 / -5 )

According to my experience it’s not only in the immigration that she was denied medical treatment . It happens to me sometimes that my kid was denied normal treatment due to been a weekend . Not matter what happens the doctors here in Japan need a holiday during a weekend . Then why be a doctor if they can’t save life’s. This is Japan….

17 ( +28 / -11 )

Her family should sue.

35 ( +45 / -10 )

they should all have been fired, no excuses this is sad and pathetic, come on Japan get out of the stone age

51 ( +56 / -5 )

How many nationalist and less educated people are running these facilities?

If I was her family, I would feel insulted that no one is substantially punished. What is a reprimand?

43 ( +48 / -5 )

Democracy at work, thank you for reaching a conclusion, now I hope that the victims family and supporters can move forward.

I also hope that Japan will learn and make the needed changes to insure that others like her are either send back to their countries or legally processed and released.

-27 ( +6 / -33 )

Typical Japanese response. Oh, let the officials involved bow and say "so sorry" and let them get away with MURDER!

35 ( +44 / -9 )

"It's impossible to imagine how lonely, anxious and hopeless she must have felt as her health deteriorated," Kamikawa told a press conference.""

Hummmmm, Just go and see for yourself!???

20 ( +26 / -6 )

This is on par with a death camp attitude by the staff. Brutality subjecting this woman to treatment (not of the medical kind) even when she is obviously in a distressed state to the point of death. Who are these psychopaths that are employed by the state? I’d like to see their photos and work history. I pay their wage and I’m really upset about that. It’s so abhorrent I feel sick thinking about any human, any animal being treated like that! Who does that to someone in a civilised society. Not such a civilised society after all.

34 ( +38 / -4 )

So what rules have changed? Who was fired? What is in place to make sure this doesn't happen again? A reprimand is just a warning!

42 ( +44 / -2 )

Ibusuki said the agency will show only selected parts of the footage exclusively to the family. He added that he has requested the agency release the whole footage which covers nearly two weeks of her life at the immigration center, and to allow a lawyer to attend.

They have had plenty of time for selective editing and to "lose" some sections of the record.

29 ( +31 / -2 )

Just as I imagined, there were a couple oyaji dinos (mini Sugas) in charge that persistently refused to give their approval for medical attention. Oh, and they're still in charge by the sounds of it.

32 ( +35 / -3 )

As long as the same people are in charge, nothing good will come of this. However, it is very difficult to lay the blame on just those individuals at the immigration center. Japanese society and culture as a whole must also share the blame. Until this country changes its perspective and continues to live in the ancient past, expect changes to be infrequent and slow.

S

15 ( +19 / -4 )

Whether people realize it or not, or admit it or not, thr japanese immigration holding facilities are horrible.

Often times I have heard of both mental and physical abuse by the japanese immigration officers mistrwating the non-japanese.

Unfortunately, this negative atmosphere is not uncommon.

22 ( +24 / -2 )

Whether to release the footage of Wishma in detention was a major focus of debate in parliament, the ordinary session of which ended in June, as it deliberated on a bill to revise rules on how to handle foreigners facing deportation, including allowing those who have applied for refugee status more than twice to be deported.

The government withdrew the bill in May following protests over the death of Wishma.

I still cannot understand the logic behind withdrawing this bill. This bill would in fact have helped to eliminate those detainees who abuse the system by continuing to file for appeal; each time they appeal, the deportation is put on hold (and they can appeal indefinitely).

With that being said, despite what the haters out there would have you believe, I have always stated that this woman's death was totally preventable and unnecessary, and those responsible needed to be punished for it. So at least this is progress.

Also, her situation also has nothing to do with the way many here absolutely mischaracterize and demonize the Japanese immigration system. Contrary to popular belief, foreigners are NOT randomly snatched from the streets and held indefinitely in limbo. These people are in violation of Japanese immigration laws, as was this unfortunate Sri Lankan lady. And also contrary to popular belief, most of these detainees are not held indefinitely to rot away in some holding cell. Many of them refuse to agree to deportation orders, and stretch the process out with appeals as mentioned above. This is why many of them are detained for years.

-16 ( +10 / -26 )

It’s sad that a young woman had to end her life like this in detention. Only if she had gone home before her student visa expired, then she would be alive and well with her family in Sri Lanka.

-18 ( +11 / -29 )

For some reason when I read the account of her death, all I could think of was George Floyd, and how both of these people were murdered by people in charge of them. Whether it was keeping a knee on his neck for more than 9 minutes or denying her medical care and mocking her. What a tragic was to die. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy!

15 ( +25 / -10 )

though the probe could not determine the cause of her death.

Now how convenient, cremated before a proper autopsy could be done and especially before the family could try getting an independent autopsy.

This unfortunately has been the government's go to for every event where death of someone be it by a government agency, corruption, negligence, etc...

The no autopsy rules give all agencies and ministries the " we cannot determine 100% the cause of death" from the courts often resulting in little or no justice for the victims.

32 ( +36 / -4 )

When idiots are in charge, people die.

29 ( +29 / -0 )

Heads absolutely have to roll from top to bottom. Everyone responsible in this chain should be sued for criminal negligence leading to death.

25 ( +29 / -4 )

Japan's immigration agency said Tuesday a probe has found that an immigration center in central Japan mistreated a detained Sri Lankan woman who died in March, and it has reprimanded the facility's top officials and supervisors.

Everyone is familiar to the severity of the reprimands towards malfeasance in business and government right?

They just were responsible for the death of a young woman, it is not like they were in possession of some prohibited botanical substances?

A Derek Chauvin/George Floyd like trial would be very therapeutic for Japanese society.

9 ( +12 / -3 )

P. SmithToday  07:17 am JST

This is an amazing admission of negligence. Her family should sue.

We’ll have posters here soon enough telling us it was the victim’s fault. It’s foul, but always happens on these threads.

It didn't take long!

MeiyouwentiToday  07:46 am JST

It’s sad that a young woman had to end her life like this in detention. Only if she had gone home before her student visa expired, then she would be alive and well with her family in Sri Lanka

3 ( +15 / -12 )

How many nationalist and less educated people are running these facilities?

The people who run these facilities are far from "less educated". They are "kokakomuin" (National Government Employees) the supposedly "elite" of the civil servants in Japan.

And consider this, just about everyone who is a conservative here, is a nationalist in some shape or form. Just because they arent waving the flag around, and praying for the return of the emperor to "god" status, does not change the fact that Japanese, on a whole are nationalists!

6 ( +11 / -5 )

an immigration center in central Japan mistreated a detained Sri Lankan woman who died in March, and it has reprimanded the facility's top officials and supervisors.

If a kindergarten teacher mistreated a child and that mistreatment resulted in the child’s death, I very much doubt the teacher would just be reprimanded.

Any immigration official who mistreated this poor woman needs to be properly held accountable for her death.

If the system is fundamentally broken then fix it. If the people working there lack basic humanity and kindness then for goodness sake get rid of them and hire people who understand how to treat people humanely.

25 ( +27 / -2 )

oldman_13Today  07:46 am JST

I still cannot understand the logic behind withdrawing this bill. This bill would in fact have helped to eliminate those detainees who abuse the system by continuing to file for appeal; each time they appeal, the deportation is put on hold (and they can appeal indefinitely).

Well that is because you cannot understand many things related to other countries.

You also cannot understand things like refugees.

Simple example.

Myanmar coup d'etat:

The Japanese government unlike every other civilised country originally refused the diplomats and staff here status to remain after the elected government they worked for was overthrown by the military and the officials in Myanmar arrested.

Only relenting after international condemnation did Japan grant them 6 months.

Seems many in Japan do not understand the meaning of refugee or fear for one's life in other countries where things are not as safe or clear-cut as in Japan.

13 ( +19 / -6 )

It’s sad that a young woman had to end her life like this in detention. Only if she had gone home before her student visa expired, then she would be alive and well with her family in Sri Lanka.

Pure and classic japanese diversion tactics. Try to point the finger of blame elsewhere while being guilty yourself. Oh, so classic.

She would be alive today if she wasn't dehumanized and abused by japanese immigration.

13 ( +19 / -6 )

The people who run these facilities are far from "less educated". They are "kokakomuin" (National Government Employees) the supposedly "elite" of the civil servants in Japan.

Whenever I see the words "elite" or "premium" in a Japanese context I know I am getting extremely undeserved privilege and a very low cost to performance/value ratio.

10 ( +13 / -3 )

Just reading about this news makes my heart bleed,it is simply disgusting.

Japan in some aspects is way closer to China than a fully developed democracy.

So in the end the minister acknowledged a misconduct from the facility but at the same time these murderers and criminals are still working there and not punished.

It is all soo disgusting,this is the result when an ultra nationalist mindset is deeply eradicated in people working for the government.

19 ( +24 / -5 )

Japan is quite famous for its mistreatment of inmates in immigration detention centers. Sadly, I doubt if this death is going to change anything. As stated above, those responsible should be facing man slaughter charges or at least charges of criminal negligence resulting in death.

21 ( +23 / -2 )

Oldman_13

Also, her situation also has nothing to do with the way many here absolutely mischaracterize and demonize the Japanese immigration system. Contrary to popular belief, foreigners are NOT randomly snatched from the streets and held indefinitely in limbo. These people are in violation of Japanese immigration laws, as was this unfortunate Sri Lankan lady. And also contrary to popular belief, most of these detainees are not held indefinitely to rot away in some holding cell. Many of them refuse to agree to deportation orders, and stretch the process out with appeals as mentioned above. This is why many of them are detained for years.

Your way of always try to side with the Japanese government in some extents even in front of such grave violations of human dignity and rights are frankly disgusting.

17 ( +24 / -7 )

ALAN HARRISON 

Unfortunately her family doesn't live here so they can't really sue (per say). They can claim all they want but won't get any positive result in their behalf. It is sad to say but acceptance and to move on is the most positive approach at this point. I also wanted to mention, do we know why she was locked up? visa over stay? Ilegal misconduct of some sort? If anyone doesn't want to go through similar outcomes, they should play by the rules. Different country different rules.

-11 ( +4 / -15 )

YubaruToday  08:02 am JST

The people who run these facilities are far from "less educated". They are "kokakomuin" (National Government Employees) the supposedly "elite" of the civil servants in Japan

Right the same "elite" civil servants that cannot run proper testing, thought sending 2 silly masks, using archaic paper vouchers, think putting a highway entrance at the same place the exit is so that the cars going on to the highway and existing have to cross eachother within a 25 metre span, the same elite that ask for wedding photos when applying for a spouse visa but stipulate only photos containing the couple alone ( contrary to every other country that want to see there were actually guest and a wedding), the same "elite" that issued basically useless "my number card" then tell say you have to actually apply for the real card with photo as ID but make it illegal for non government agencies to take the number down or make a copy ( example: you can theoretically use it when selling items to a certified recycled shop but in reality that shop cannot note the number of make a copy like it can with a driver's license or passport so useless because the law states they need official ID and number).

I could go on but this would end up being a novel.

13 ( +17 / -4 )

Stay in Japan, but legal..

Is it legal to murder someone for overstaying a visa?

I believe in laws and rules, very much so. But the punishment must not exceed the severity of the crime. Police and authorities are not judges and executioners.

By the way, was it even possible to travel back to her country in 2020?

21 ( +25 / -4 )

The only thing ‘regrettable’ from a heartless and inhuman system, run by people perfectly suited for the job, is that this case is seeing light of day and their disgusting lack of care and actions has been spotlighted. Reprimanded? Says a lot right there.

It’s taken this long for them to man up and release the video. Cowards hide behind systems and rules to do cowardly , nasty things. Will it lead to actual change though? Might be very muzukashii, meaning probably not.

16 ( +18 / -2 )

They caused someone's death and they're just going to get a slap on the wrist? Human rights in Japan is a joke. Remember that survey from a few years back when most Japanese didn't think foreigners in Japan (not just those in detention centres) deserved any human rights?

23 ( +28 / -5 )

Absolutely disgusting...and enraging.

16 ( +19 / -3 )

Japan Immigration 1, U.S. Immigration (best not to think about it)

-11 ( +6 / -17 )

Kamikawa I will accept your resignation. Those at the top should accept their responsibility. Behavior of a third world country indeed

9 ( +11 / -2 )

A “reprimand” seems ludicrously inadequate as a response to this.

16 ( +18 / -2 )

What's the difference between Japanese system and North Korean system?NONE.

Japan has been trying to mobilize the international community,the U.N.and even pleading with the U.S.to sanction North Korea for abducting and mistreating Japanese nationals but the Japanese are doing exactly the same.They murdered Wishma and and the only purnishment the officials get is a reprimand?Unbelievable.

10 ( +14 / -4 )

You don't have try hard to imagine what they thought of Ms Wishma Sandamali. What they thought of her death. Now? Now those responsible are free to live. An absolute travesty and abandonment of basic humanity on the part of those who were entrusted to protect her and by the Japanese govt trying to worm its way out of investigating and in not punishing those responsible. Same as it ever was, will be.

13 ( +15 / -2 )

Medical care has always been a problem at these detention facilities because they're too small to sustain dedicated medical staff. One obvious solution has always been for the MOJ to consolidate immigration detention within better equipped and better staffed prison facilities where they can share existing hospital wards and 24h on-call medical staff. The reason this doesn't happen is because international human rights groups always object to asylum seekers being housed in the same facilities as convicted criminals lest they be stigmatised. I think it's time to rethink this. I would much rather be held in a large fully equipped professional prison than a small immigration detention quasi-prison. The medical care would be better, the food would be better, the staff would be more professional, oversight and accountability would be stronger.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

What a world, a panda in a zoo is treated with dignity than a human being.

Air conditioned quarters, first-class medical care and attention from the media

and public. As usual this will get a muted "Shoganai" response from the J-media and general public.

12 ( +15 / -3 )

Negligence resulting in death is punishable by a lengthy jail term isn't it??!!!

10 ( +13 / -3 )

YubaruToday  08:02 am JST

Just because they arent waving the flag around, and praying for the return of the emperor to "god" status, does not change the fact that Japanese, on a whole are nationalists!

Agree entirely except that I would change your final word to racists.

6 ( +10 / -4 )

The agency reprimanded the bureau's director and then deputy director as well as two supervisors overseeing the monitoring of detainees.

All anonymous as usual. They should be named and publicly required to explain their actions. Unfortunately the only way that this can be done is in court and that is not going to happen. Nothing will change.

6 ( +10 / -4 )

Bureau: Guilty! We did it. Yup.

Press: So, will anyone be held responsible?

Bureau: Well, of course! I mean, I'm in front of you admitting it, right? haha. Seriously, though, yes, we have given a stern warning and promise to be transparent. We have also been made aware that we have a duty to actually protect people, which we did not know about at all when taking the job. Crazy, huh? But that's life. Shouganai, ne? We currently have a few people in custody without trial that we are going to be more kind and caring to, since we must.

Is it really any wonder Japan ranks so poorly on human rights issues?

12 ( +16 / -4 )

Kentarogaijin Japan did not deport her so Japan was responsible for her. If you sign up to support human rights you cannot then behave like NK

9 ( +14 / -5 )

Kamikawa I will accept your resignation. Those at the top should accept their responsibility. Behavior of a third world country indeed

Third world country is what type of country even ?

How ignorant of me to think there was just one world and not knowing there were many

worlds like a rung on a ladder.

Behavior of a First world country is what kind of behavior then ?, Is it to lie and bomb some small countries into oblivion ? Brainwashing has no bounds.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Japanese keep saying how humanitarian they are, well this does not look very humanitarian to me! We can see examples of this inhumanly throughot Japan's history!

5 ( +8 / -3 )

Interesting article from 10 years ago

Niconico News, May 23, 2011 (updated May 31, 2011)

The chief prosecutor in the Saga City Agricultural Co-op case, now known to be a frame-up, spoke at a symposium held in Tokyo on May 23, 2011, offering a revealing discussion of the surprising reality of the training he received when he joined his department. “We were taught that yakuza and foreigners have no human rights,” he disclosed, and “public prosecutors were taught to make up confessions and then have suspects sign them.” Describing how terrifying this warped training system is, he added that “after being trained in that way, [he] began to almost believe that this was natural.”

9 ( +12 / -3 )

Mere "reprimand" is not appropriate. There were rules not followed, leading to disaster.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

The comments, range from tangents to a curious notion of decrying the entirety of Japanese culture.

A young woman died in custody, after violating the terms of her visa. Which is tragic. The conditions that led to such a result need to be investigated and any guilty parties punished. It is a complex matter.

The exact treatment of the detainee can be revealed thru examination of the tapes.

Ms Wishma came to Japan on a student visa in 2017 but her permit was cancelled in 2019 when she was unable to afford her tuition fees.

She was detained in August of 2020 and was still in custody in March of 2021. She was 33 and a university student. Wishma informed authorities, she was a victim of domestic violence by her live-in partner.

Further information, not contained in the JT reportage:

Wishma, died just two days after a psychiatrist saw her. The doctor stated, "Around the time her supporters told her she could get temporary release if she got sick, she started developing psychosomatic symptoms."

The doctor concluded that, based on the bureau employees' explanation, she was possibly feigning illness.

Her supporters denied telling her that getting sick could lead to her release, and said, "It is very serious that erroneous information was presented that swayed a doctor's judgment."

On July 2, a group including Wishma's sisters Wayomi, 28, and Poornima, 27, and their legal representative Shoichi Ibusuki spoke to reporters after a face-to-face meeting with a psychiatrist at Nagoya Ekisaikai Hospital.

According to Ibusuki and others, the doctor said that if they hadn't been given the verbal explanation from the immigration bureau, they "wouldn't have suspected (Wishma's) illness was an act."

The bureau had already had a physician run tests on Wishma that turned up nothing, which allegedly led them to seek a psychiatric diagnosis.

The doctor also described Wishma's condition on the day they saw her, reportedly telling the group, "Although I'd been told her physical health was fine, she looked exhausted and weak."

Despite the doctor telling immigration bureau officials her condition would be better if she were temporarily released, the officials reportedly responded that they would look at the examination results.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

The actions of the staff at the immigration centre echo the treatment of POWs by Japan, indicating that there's a cruel, fascist undercurrent running below the surface of this tranquil population. It's very disturbing and I often wonder why I stay.

8 ( +12 / -4 )

Thins outrage should be labeled at least as manslaughter. The Nagoya Immigration bureau ignored the woman's pleas for medical help. A few of the men allegedly laughed at her pain. The bureau tried to hide the facts. Now we get a tepid apology of sorts. I hope everyone reading this is good and mad.

12 ( +14 / -2 )

Overstaying or not, there should be no reason for them to treat her in this inhumane way... she is a human being and she deserves to be treated like one! Nagoya Immigration bureau, shame on you!

7 ( +10 / -3 )

William BjornsonToday  09:05 am JST

Japan Immigration 1, U.S. Immigration (best not to think about it)

USA immigration press access massive reporting.

Japan, no press access, no press interest, no reporting, no one dares upset the powers in charge.

Big difference, I will add I am not American and in my country we had problems also all uncovered by real journalist doing their actual jobs.

Most western countries this stuff gets exposed far more and far better than in Japan because the press does it's job.

6 ( +10 / -4 )

I know M.E.s are in shortage in Japan, but the government must have heard of autopsies, do they?

Are you serious?

The no autopsy policy has been the backbone of the Japanese government denial of responsibility for decades, death in custody, disease scandals, etc...

No autopsies and the courts cannot convict because of lack of evidence.

12 ( +15 / -3 )

It does expose the horrific conditions in Japanese detention centers.

8 ( +11 / -3 )

Anyone that thinks that immigration's job is anything other than looking for ways to keep people out or Japan, let my give you the best example of what they know is their real job.

Someone here on a legitimate spouse visa with children gets divorced before they can get PR but has custody of the legitimate Japanese citizens children would be denied permission to remain in Japan.

This was taken to court and after decades the supreme Court ruled that by forcing the custodial parent to leave it was denying the rights of the Japanese child or forcing the Japanese child to leave Japan.

The ruling statrd that immigration had to give the non Japanese custodial parent either a long term visa or PR.

Immigration's response was to change the rules in secret giving these parents only 90 days after divorce to secure a new visa or they would be considered illegally in the country and deported.

As far as I know no one in such a situation was ever granted PR only long term visas until the children became adults at which point immigration refuses to extend the viss and says the person must leave Japan.

I am not speaking from hearsay, I have actually lived this exact scenario and was told by immigration officials each time I renewed my visa " why don't you take your half children and go home".

13 ( +17 / -4 )

As in all countries, government officials twist themselves in knots to avoid facing responsibility for crimes committed in the name of the state. The perps are protected by a wall of secrecy double-coated in Teflon: the usual suspects, untouchable.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

pledged to reform the country's immigration services

Which equates to all detainees signing a document everyday that they received "proper" care. Nothing will change. Not in Japan.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

"It's impossible to imagine how lonely, anxious and hopeless she must have felt as her health deteriorated,"

Only to those without empathy or experience.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

How cheap is a foreigner’s life in Japan these days?

Let me help with the value ranking from most valued to least.

Politicians

Elite bureaucrats

Regular bureaucrats

Connected business "man"

Businessman

Regular office worker (male)

Regular citizens (male)

Regular citizens (female)

Mizushobai worker (bar or even pachinko, etc...)

Ainu

Former Burakumin descendants

Yakuza

Dogs, cats.

Wagiu cattle

Caucasian foreigners

Non caucasian foreigners

I may have missed a few but I think it is accurate.

7 ( +12 / -5 )

I simply don't understand that doctors are not available on weekends in Japan.

They should have rotational schedules and some are available at the weekend.

Patients come first.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Those people who had direct knowledge of her situation and denied her requests for medical care are certainly guilty of neglect leading to death. That's usually called involuntary manslaughter or negligent homicide. In Japan, the equivalent crimes can carry 10-year prison sentences. Certainly, one or more people should be held accountable for this crime. But, since it was only a foreigner and they were government employees... Someone will apologize, take responsibility, bow deeply and it'll all be over.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

As I see it, gaijin's rights in Japan, when demanded, is non-existent.

it's doesn't even come close to a non-tax paying Japanese.

When you are perceived to have broken the rules, there is no room to qualify or defend your actions.

you lose all your rights... if there ever were on the outset,

in my eyes, it's like "it's not our fault, it's your fault entirely. if you didn't come here, this wouldn't have happened"...

sucks to be a gaijin...

7 ( +10 / -3 )

Let me help with the value ranking from most valued to least.

Politicians

Elite bureaucrats

Regular bureaucrats

Connected business "man"

Businessman

Regular office worker (male)

Regular citizens (male)

Regular citizens (female)

Mizushobai worker (bar or even pachinko, etc...)

Ainu

Former Burakumin descendants

Yakuza

Dogs, cats.

Wagiu cattle

Caucasian foreigners

Non caucasian foreigners

I may have missed a few but I think it is accurate.

So where does that put regular office workers tgat caucasian

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

I simply don't understand that doctors are not available on weekends in Japan.

Doctors are available 7 days a week in Japan, just not at immigration.

Imagine if immigration actually treated "Foreigners" ( o deliberately didn't use people because the immigration agents do not see foreigners as people or human just Gaijin) properly?

Then these foreigners would keep trying to fight to stay.

By treating them poorly, withholding medical treatment, etc.. and making their lives a living Hell is the goal in order for them to leave.

Fairly simple immigration thinking.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

Let me help with the value ranking from most valued to least.

Politicians

Elite bureaucrats

Regular bureaucrats

Connected business "man"

Businessman

Regular office worker (male)

Regular citizens (male)

Regular citizens (female)

Mizushobai worker (bar or even pachinko, etc...)

Ainu

Former Burakumin descendants

Yakuza

Dogs, cats.

Wagiu cattle

Caucasian foreigners

Non caucasian foreigners

I may have missed a few but I think it is accurate.

So where does that put regular male office workers who are caucasian?

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

 It is sad to say but acceptance and to move on is the most positive approach at this point.

No. There can be no reconciliation without justice.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Lorem ipsumToday  11:31 am JST

So where does that put regular office workers tgat caucasian

Not sure what your question is.

If you are asking if a regular office worker that is a foreigner is on the level of value, then the answer is there, same as all the others not extra points for being employed even if in a good Japanese company job.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

As bad as Japan immigration is, we have to remember this was Nagoya.

The place my Japanese wife and I have refused to go near for 10 years because of things that have happened when there.

The place my 2 mixed children Japanese citizens will not set foot even their employers will not send them because of problems in the past when there for university conferences and on business, regularly being stopped asked for their foreign residency card ( which as citizens they don't have) and being told they need proof they are Japanese and have to carry their passport.

So if there is one immigration centre you do not ever want to be held in Nagoya tops the list.

When this story first broke I was not surprised in the least to see the name Nagoya!

7 ( +11 / -4 )

Thats what happens when you raise robots unable to think for themselves or to speak out. Lack of Communication skills is one of the few major issues plaguing Japanese society.

9 ( +13 / -4 )

So where does that put regular male office workers who are caucasian?

My friend, we are not "regular" office workers or "regular" this or that to them, we are simply caucasians (makes me feel special but not in a good way...)

5 ( +8 / -3 )

In any country one should not overstay. Hands down. It is better to be deported. Perhaps many overstaying people have used the tactic of complaining about their health only to run away. Just like in the movies. Then they escape. Maybe that’s what happened here?

-7 ( +4 / -11 )

Slap on the wrist and tanshinfunin

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Why did not the immigration people befriend her? What was the actual cause of death. Aged 33. Young, smart and beautiful. What a pity.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Kinda weird that this news came out, must be an intense probe.

Oh well, sympathy to the victim.

-10 ( +0 / -10 )

These are the kinds of things that happen in non diverse societies. They just don't care about others and there are no consequences because everyone does what they are told. Sad.

@antiquesving,

I think beetles slip in between dogs, cats and wagyu.

@Kentarogaijin,

I think your comment reflects how the immigration folks think. There are humane ways to remedy visa issues. Torture isn't one of them. Legal status is your best bet of course but those immigration people need to be thrown in the slammer and sued to no end. Should be international news.

6 ( +11 / -5 )

Get an ace lawyer, and sue.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

This is clearly abuse that trampled with human rights.

And abuses like this are not only against her. But

it has reprimanded the facility's top officials and supervisors.

Present Japan's government still tries to trivialize this criminal.

Japan's government and nationalists try to beautify Japan by "Diversity and Harmony" Olympics but this case shows that it is just pretense.

6 ( +10 / -4 )

Get an ace lawyer, and sue.

Immigration is a branch of the mystery of justice.

There will be no trial.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

What a horribly tragic story. It is very disturbing to know that the country I love and call my home can allow this behavior with no ramifications.

Imagine the Japanese out roar if this happened to a Japanese national overseas. Like the Japanese friend I once had in California who had overstayed his student visa by five years. If he’d been detained, become ill, and then died due to neglect - there would surely be outrage in Japan.

The staff in this detention center are clearly racist, do not respect basic human rights, and should be punished severely. Sadly, this will not happen.

8 ( +12 / -4 )

The timing of this is political as well.

Just as the first part of the Olympics finished this extraordinary confession appears.

Imagine if this had occurred in the midst of the Olympics?

Obviously, the timing stinks even now, waiting for the Paralympics.

Japanese immigration seems to have a lengthy track record of violating human rights and deaths in custody occur.

Why is this?

3 ( +6 / -3 )

A few things. One, Shoko Sasaki and Yoko Kamikawa should be tried for murder as all the others who came into direct connection with the murder of Ms. Ratnayake Liyanage Wishma Sandamali.

The Immigration Bureau should be totally dismantled and create a new one with an international twist in policy.

The Japanese press should report this new more effectively and Japanese people should care about this event to show their concern about their own government and how corrupted it is.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

blueToday  02:50 pm JST

Yes my daughter read my list and made the same evaluation.

She reminded me after regular citizens female

Mixed citizen caucasian

Mixed citizen non caucasian

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

"The Nagoya bureau at that time lacked awareness of its responsibility to ensure the safety of people and respectfully engage with them."

HA! what a load of BS. or you could not careless about anyone in the facility.

The agency reprimanded the bureau's director and then deputy director as well as two supervisors overseeing the monitoring of detainees.

nope, they should be arrested, and detained as manslaughter/murder charges should be filled agints them as they are complicit in her death.

"We will take the issues raised (in the report) seriously and do our best to prevent any recurrences," the Nagoya bureau said in a statement.

Does anyone belave this load of BS? I think that they will just carry on as normal, with a could not careless attitude.

The agency had set up an investigation team and heard from third-party experts including medical professionals in examining the case of Wishma, who came to Japan in 2017 on a student visa and was taken to the facility in Nagoya in August 2020 after overstaying her visa.

The easiest thing would have said to her youve overstayed you visa, were sorry but you will have to leave on the next flight back to XX, you will be detaind at the airport and you will be escoted onto the next availbe flight. how simple is that?

She died on March 6 while in custody after complaining of stomach pain and other symptoms from mid-January. She had applied for, but was refused, provisional release for hospital treatment.

Medical personnel were not available on Saturdays, the day that she died, and staff at the facility did not make an emergency call, according to the report.

How barbaric and inhumane is this? lets look at it again shes was a student, not a mass murderer or international drugs person. the facility have a duty of care although it may be a basic and simple cover, you should still provide this cover, and as for not having any medical staff available on a Sunday? jeees, how stupid is this?

Ibusuki said the agency will show only selected parts of the footage exclusively to the family. He added that he has requested the agency release the whole footage which covers nearly two weeks of her life at the immigration center, and to allow a lawyer to attend.

Errr, no youl show the whole footage, unless you have somthing to cover up, which is probably why you dont want to disclose that footage.

All I see is bungerling incompetence, deraliction of duty, negligence, incompetence, bullying, failure, this dept need to have it pants sued off it, and the top brass needs to be arrested, and possibly detained in jail.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

Sometimes apology is NOT enough.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Now for those who do not hesitate to post that Japan do not care human rights of foreigners, and equal or even worse than CCP's China or North Korea, I genuinely suggest to spare a few hours to visit and meet detained foreigners at the detention centers closest to where you live and suggest them to accept deportation order.

I mean, there's Int'l rule for deportation, and you just cannot treat them like air freights. For those who might still misunderstand, her case is not defined as so-called refugee status. Not trying to excuse it but current law enables anyone who (herself or some weird rights group)knows the fact they are not on the refugees status under Internationally defined concept to extend their stays. Yes It is a shame for Japan unable to change it.

I mean, If you truly believe Japan's treatment is such disgusting, you can go visit to suggest anyone at detention centers to accept deportation order and get on board the fright landing on anywhere in China, or in North Korea( via any airports flying direct there). The fare? I believe, Tax you pay and we all pay would take the cost which would be less than detaining those for years and causing this kind of problems

Otherwise, Japan should send them back forcefully no matter what, no question asked, and leave them at the custom of the main airports in each of their home countries. Of course, economy class.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Shoko Sasaki, head of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, told a separate press conference, "The Nagoya bureau at that time lacked awareness of its responsibility to ensure the safety of people and respectfully engage with them."

No excuse. When an agency keeps people in custody, they are responsible for them, period. I hope heads will roll, but am not optimistic. Bureaucrats protect each other.

1 ( +8 / -7 )

Brian WhewayToday  03:25 pm JST

The easiest thing would have said to her youve overstayed you visa, were sorry but you will have to leave on the next flight back to XX, you will be detaind at the airport and you will be escoted onto the next availbe flight. how simple is that?

That happened. and she said she wanted to return on her 1st day she got detained. She changed her mind.

I hope you updating

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Is someone going to be arrested for manslaughter?

0 ( +6 / -6 )

Ministry of justice? Would appear they actually again and again, have no idea about justice.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Unfortunately her family doesn't live here so they can't really sue (per say). They can claim all they want but won't get any positive result in their behalf. It is sad to say but acceptance and to move on is the most positive approach at this point. I also wanted to mention, do we know why she was locked up? visa over stay? Ilegal misconduct of some sort? If anyone doesn't want to go through similar outcomes, they should play by the rules. Different country different rules.

Fake news comment, Anybody can file a complaint to a court in Japan. Incidently has a report been submitted to the Public Prosecutors Office.

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

Honestly speaking, I started wondering if these officers taking care of detainees day by day are really so called "KOUMUIN" civil servants or not, meaning if they are the ones who had passed some kind of exam, educated with minimum required ethics. It's been reported that other function at immigration office like reception desk employing private dispatched labor. The story a officer mocked her when swallowing a drink was shocking too.

As far as I know, her family and supporting lawyer(s) already pressed charges. I am not sure if Japan's prosecution process the case up to the trial after a Minister of Justice ( who I personally think looking alike with a mask Carrie Lam/Chief Executive of Hong Kong) press-conferenced this way.

Hope all the pus get pressed out

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Immigration law especially the parts about detention and deportation has not been touched for 70 years just like Japan's constitution according to NHK news ( that I didn't know) , By the way, not just trolling with nonsense but for those who are serious about this issue, if you read Japanese, this is good summary

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20210810/k10013192201000.html

RIPS Wishma

2 ( +3 / -1 )

What action can we (non-Japanese) take to lobby for systemic change? What action in this specific case to address blatant injustice?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

The old ways die hard and while it’s sad that she won’t be around to see it, this well overdue rebuke and promises to reform the system will be her legacy.

http://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,764684,00.html

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

“The probe has also found Wishma's pleas for medical treatment and an examination by an outside doctor were never reported to managing staff, violating the facility's own rule”

Several people need to be FIRED & brought up on charges of Professional Negligence

2 ( +3 / -1 )

These facilities are deplorable. I was detained in one of them years ago and can tell you nothing has changed.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

So overstaying your visa might mean a death sentence if you happen to have a medical condition.

We have just had an Olympic opening ceremony dedicated for the mistreated.

Which Japan is the real one?

7 ( +8 / -1 )

Nothing will change as my friend said, part of this country is doomed or simply help including what they call " justice" and "police" based on 19th century or older system. What Whisma lived is quite common in Japanese prison and many embassies have been complaining during months for their the prisoner to get access to doctor and do not starving! And when it is finally possible, how in less than 3mn a doctor can make a complete check up with guard not letting prisoner to express ?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

What's the difference between Japanese system and North Korean system?NONE.

Japan has been trying to mobilize the international community,the U.N.and even pleading with the U.S.to sanction North Korea for abducting and mistreating Japanese nationals but the Japanese are doing exactly the same.They murdered Wishma and and the only purnishment the officials get is a reprimand?Unbelievable.

The UN should conduct a full examination of Japan's Ministry of (so-called) Justice along with Japan's immigration detention centers, and criminal detention centers.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Country run by cold-hearted people. Shame on you Japan.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Dear Kentarogaijin,

In most civilized countries all criminals and prisoners do have human rights... For example - right to see a doctor!!! Detaining someone is about removing the threat or law abuser. Basic human rights are still in place. BECAUSE THEORETICALLY, PEOPLE ARE NOT SAVAGES!!! KILLING SOMEONE INTENTIONALLY OR BY NEGLECTING IS ALSO A CRIME.... THAT'S A BIGGER CRIME COMPARED TO OVERSTAYING THE VISA!!!

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Deeply sorry for this tragic event. Hope that from top to bottom officers do change their minds and hearts and apply daily the golden rule, to treat others as they want to be treated

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I happened to find the official report prepared by Immigration Service Agency of Japan dated August 10, 2021, which people are talking about, although it is written in Japanese. To prove I am not just trolling here, I will leave it here if you are interested in. I am sure you would slightly change your view.

http://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001354107.pdf

0 ( +0 / -0 )

There is still, most unfortunately, a small number of callous, small-minded gov't employees/bureaucrats in Japan who think that non-Japanese in their custody are sub-human, not worthy of human decency and respect, when in fact, they are the ones not worth of same. Eye for an eye: they should be put in the very same detention room/cell where the young lady was held until they become sick and die. May their souls (oops...my bad. This assumes they even had souls.) rot in hell for eternity.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

"The Nagoya bureau at that time lacked awareness of its responsibility to ensure the safety of people and respectfully engage with them."

That might be one of the most id*otic statements I've ever read.

Translation: They weren't aware they needed to be humans.

It's a deeply sick society where officials need to be reminded to behave like humans, instead of being deranged monsters.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@Antiquesaving

Most western countries this stuff gets exposed far more and far better than in Japan because the press does it's job.

BUT NOTHING CHANGES because Americans don't really care. No one is even scolded, even less likely, prosecuted, and often the damage is implied as being the victim's fault. And, if so many people who have commented here despise Japan and Japanese people so clearly as they seem to do, WHAT ARE THEY DOING HERE? I'll be amazed if you can give me an answer to that question free of hypocrisy...are things for them so desperate in their home countries that they choose to live among people for whom they seem to have no respect whatsoever?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Translation of

"The Nagoya bureau at that time lacked awareness of its responsibility to ensure the safety of people and respectfully engage with them."

The old and tired "We didn't know."

Legally, ignorance is no excuse under the law. The captors knew what they were doing. They laughed and deliberately refused to give this suffering girl medical assistance. "Lacked awareness" my foot.

As I look at this it seems more like a case of second degree murder.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

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