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© KYODOCourt partly overturns damages for hecklers removed from Abe speech
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© KYODO
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Jay
The ruling is essentially saying, "We believe in free speech but not that much free speech!"
At the end of the day, politicians work for us, not the other way around. In a so-called democracy such as this, it's not only entirely justifiable but actually completely necessary that tax-paying citizens are afforded the right to openly criticize the performance of government officials, and when and where that occurs is not up for any court to decide.
diagonalslip
evidently not!!!
obladi
Oof... The things people spend their time arguing over amazes me.
Lindsay
Japanese democracy at its finest. Welcome to the DRJ (democratic republic of Japan)
dagon
Have to love the Japanese courts in their unwavering opposition to the good of the people and support for the Japan Inc./LDP status quo.
I suppose the above quotes were what they used to rule that the plaintiff "posed a threat to Abe"?
And their freedom of expression was not violated?
Japanese courts would repulse Kafka.
deanzaZZR
I have never really thought deeply about it, but since the LDP has been in power 95% of post WW2 they must be the ones appointing powerful judges. Results follow.
antifun
"But the high court said the removal of Osugi, 35, was legal due to reasonable concerns he could be hurt by others in the crowd or pose a threat to Abe.
As for Momoi, 27, it noted that she was already some way away from Abe when she was moved by the police."
Quite arbitrary but this essentially mean politicians in Japan have one directional rights to using public places as their propaganda outlets to spread whatever lies they choose absent any protests.
kurisupisu
The Japanese public continue to be downtrodden and have their rights trampled on!
Nevermind, just as long as they pay their masters taxes, all will be fine…
Yubaru
When has anyone here ever really seen a politician work "for us" other than prior to an election, if that?
buchailldana
Japan the democracy... As long as you don't oppose the government
u_s__reamer
High Court judges are well-trained with one eye open on their future career path, always remembering to click their heels, cock their ears to HMV and bark on cue with specious argument whenever the State scrooges its citizens. The ways of Japanese democracy are mysterious, not. Appeals have as much chance as anyone in a Kafka novel. "Justice" is whatever they say.
browny1
u-s- reamer - right on the money.
In no other democratic nation I know of would the people accept this.
A very simple, passive expression of opinion and LDP Incs "authorities" move in to ...you know to quell the unrest.
And it's all about their safety.
How about the police do their job and protect lawful citizens from the thugs if they suspect violence.
Weak as.
Bofington
Not enough money for blatantly muting freedom of speech. Why do these things take 4 years?
Harry_Gatto
Abe had a right to free speech too and if these people wished to speak then they should have waited their turn and addressed the crowd when Abe had finished instead of trying to interrupt him to stop him speaking.
Seigi
But American media won't label this in the same level they do about China.
kyushubill
The takeaway: Keep quiet peasants when your masters speak. Now pay your taxes and slave away at your oppressive employment.
Rodney
@eastman, Kipling
democracy is red or blue. Money.
I wish I could speak Chinese, but at my age…
Fredrik
Forced them in what way? They were surrounded and followed. The Japanese police can do that to anyone without any particular reason, as long as they don't use force.
yokohamarides
Fascist court says what?
albaleo
A lot of criticism here, but is it so different in other countries? Heckling generally has limits, and if a public event is disrupted, the hecklers can usually be removed.
antifun
If the politicians want uninterrupted speeches, they are free to rent a venue and hire their private security to deal with hecklers. Public venues are... well, public, free for anyone to express their opinions at any time anywhere and yes that includes speeches of Abe and whichever puppet of Nippon Kaigi is the PM at that time. The police are not supposed to be the gestapo for LDP, they should ascertain public safety.