Feature story - June 30, 2008
Update: The court has ruled Junichi and Toru will spend the maximum time in custody without charge permissible under Japanese law - 23 days. In a message to supporters, sent via their lawyers, Junichi and Toru welcomed the outpouring of efforts from people all over the world, adding: "We still need your help. We have been ordered to remain in custody for ten more days without charge. Please encourage your friends to send an email to the Japanese government, if they have not already."
Greenpeace supporters conducted a peaceful protest outside the
Japanese embassy in the United States as part of a global campaign
against the continued unnecessary detention of two Greenpeace
activists in Japan who exposed a large scale embezzlement scandal
within the Japanese government-sponsored Southern Ocean whaling
program.
The two Greenpeace activists have already been held for 10 days
in jail without charge in Japan.
At the Japanese embassy in the United States, Greenpeace
supporters held up 2 banners, one in Japanese with the images of
the activists being detailed, Junichi and Toru, and one in English
that read Free Junichi and Toru. Activists also had 8"x11" hand
drawn images of both Junichi and Toru that were held by
everyone.
The jailing of the two Japanese activists has sparked a
worldwide outcry. In addition to demonstrations in approximately 30
countries since last week, nearly 180,000 letters have been emailed
to the Japanese Prime Minister and Foreign minister in support of
immediately releasing the two activists.
At the Japanese embassy in the United States, Greenpeace
Executive Director John Passacantando delivered the U.S. petition
with over 15,000 signatures. He also delivered a copy of the
"Japan's Stolen Whale Meat Scandal" dossier and a letter to
Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki.
In some countries, vigils will be established with the activists
committed to remaining outside the embassies until are charged or
set free. Under Japanese law, they can be held without charge for
23 days.
Take action
Free the "Tokyo Two"