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The decision by Kyoto police to announce the names of all 35 people who died in the July 18 arson attack on a Kyoto Animation Co has sparked a debate because some bereaved families didn't want the names released, saying it would cause them more pain. Do you think names of murder victims should be released to the public?

20 Comments
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I just learned that they made one of my fav anime Evergarden, they should be celebrated not forgotten

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I think it should be up to the bereaved. We're talking about a nation that won't even release the names of murderers who are 19, but will release the names or 19 or more murdered without permission, regardless of their age.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

What is right of privacy some are talking about here ? It is obviously public domain when one dies, so the media can publish names. If people are not happy with that, they will blame the media then.

Individuals have no right over dead people's naming. There is no copyright.

Transparency helps people if police consider so as for any safety reasons.

This is silly rule from the feodal ages to retain information.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Yes. And in part because it can help in the collection of witnesses and evidence of crimes.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

It's in the public interest beyond family. Friends and associates not connected to the family can therefore know as well. A wider community has the right to know. This is just commonplace everywhere else it seems.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

@M3M3M3

While they may be public record, it's another thing entirely to publicize that information in media, on TV, on news programs.  Those who are curious to know more can search the public record.  The news and media can just provide a link to that rather than declaring all the victims and running a picture or video montage for days/weeks.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

No of course! Why should the police decide? Did their family member die???

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

The reason why deaths are a matter of public record (at least in western countries) is to protect individuals from potential abuses of the state. We can't have our friends and neighbours just disappearing off the streets without ever being able to confirm what happened to them or whether they're dead or not. This has to take precedence over any relative's desire for privacy.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

When news of this magnitude hits the fan, yes the public has a right to know as public domain in the media.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

No.

Do we really need to know in order to satisfy morbid curiosity? Let the families decide.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Why is this even up for debate? NO! If the family wishes their name not to be released, the name should NOT be released. Unless its vital to an investigation, which it is not in this case.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

No. The dead and their families should have the right to privacy.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Yes.

Wouldn't it potentially help investigators if somebody who knew the victim on a casual basis might be able to assist by providing additional information, especially if the person knew the killer as well.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

no.

have some sensitivity. let the families mourn their loved ones in private.

6 ( +9 / -3 )

Yes and no.

'Yes' in terms of on the police website somewhere as it is public information, however 'no' in the sense that if that's the way the families feel, the newspapers should have a gentlemen's agreement not to publish the names and only mention that a list can be found via police resources..

4 ( +6 / -2 )

I voted no, because out of respect to the families who have lost their loved ones and I would have asked the same thing if I were on their shoes to give me time. I wonder if the Kyoto Police thought about this first by putting their own shoes onto the situation of those families who believed that they will be protected with their privacy?

4 ( +5 / -1 )

It should be up to the family.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

I voted "no", but I'm not opposed to the names being published. I just think we should respect the will of the families.

There is no way that our desire to know is more important than their right to privacy.

11 ( +13 / -2 )

I voted No, simply because it shouldn't be the police' decision. It ought to be the decision of the next-of-kin, when and how to announce their loved one's death. Victims of crime ought to have the same rights and respect afforded to accused perpetrators, whose names are regularly withheld (though that often seems arbitrary).

8 ( +12 / -4 )

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