Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Demonstrators gathered on Wednesday at the Tokyo District Court building, where a trial was held for their “comrade” detained for six days after the police arrested him during a protest against the Paralympics Opening ceremony.

Other demonstrators also gathered at Tokyo Metropolitan Police Central Department denouncing what they called “police violence.”

They called for the release of the defendant, who is only referred to as “A-san,” and distributed flyers to passers-by claiming that the officer in charge where their “comrade” is detained was quoted as saying, “The anti-Olympic protests were anti-national.”

One activist told Arab News Japan that A-san refused to answer police questions and wished to remain anonymous.

In the trial, The accused’s two lawyers asked the judge to disclose the evidence against him. They also said they were optimistic for his release soon.

Pre-trial detentions can last from 72 hours to 23 days in Japan, and lawyers do not attend interrogations. A-san reportedly was questioned until 2 a.m. on the day of his arrest, according to the demonstrators.

Several activists took turns at the microphone, criticizing the government for holding the Paralympic Games despite the spread of COVID-19 infections.