On Monday, Japanese police chief Takayoshi Tsuda personally apologized to 88-year-old Iwao Hakamada, who was wrongfully imprisoned for over five decades. Hakamada, a former boxer, was placed on death row in 1968 after being convicted of murder in what was later revealed to be a case built on fabricated evidence and forced confessions. His acquittal was finalized last month, ending his nearly 60-year legal battle.
At Hakamada’s home, Tsuda bowed deeply and said, “We are sorry to have caused you unspeakable mental distress and burden for as long as 58 years from the time of the arrest until the acquittal was finalized… We are terribly sorry.” He promised a “meticulous and appropriate investigation.”
Hakamada, who struggles with his mental health due to his lengthy confinement, replied: “Once you have the power, you’re not supposed to grumble.”
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Hakamada’s sister, Hideko, who supported him through the ordeal, expressed her gratitude for the apology, hoping it would help bring closure to her brother’s past as a death row inmate.
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