02:35Victims of Japans' forced sterilisation programme and their families rallied outside the Japanese Supreme Court in Tokyo on Wednesday, as judges ruled the historical Eugenics Protection Law 'unconstitutional'.
Footage shows demonstrators rallying with a banner outside the courthouse. Reporters can also be seen filming the demonstration as some victims delivered their speeches.
"The country did wrong and we want them to apologise to us at least a word if they can. I am wondering how they would apologise to 25,000 people. If possible, I would like the government to apologise with at least a word," said Saburo Kita, one of the victims.
"I would like to hear the presiding judge say at least one word about the victory," he continued "I would like hear from him. I would like to be told by the judge that we won. If that is possible."
All 15 justices of the Supreme Court ruled that the Eugenics Protection Law, which was issued in 1948 and later repealed in 1996, was 'unconstitutional' and ordered state compensation, marking a victory for the victims and their families.
According to the Government of Japan, approximately 16,500 people were impacted by the law, which allowed for the forced sterilisation of individuals with hereditary diseases as well as mental and intellectual disorders. The law reportedly allowed for physical restraint, anaesthesia and 'deception' to be used to proceed with the operations.
'We want them to apologise' - Forced sterilisation victims rally as Japan's Supreme Court rules historical eugenics law 'unconstitutional'
Victims of Japans' forced sterilisation programme and their families rallied outside the Japanese Supreme Court in Tokyo on Wednesday, as judges ruled the historical Eugenics Protection Law 'unconstitutional'.
Footage shows demonstrators rallying with a banner outside the courthouse. Reporters can also be seen filming the demonstration as some victims delivered their speeches.
"The country did wrong and we want them to apologise to us at least a word if they can. I am wondering how they would apologise to 25,000 people. If possible, I would like the government to apologise with at least a word," said Saburo Kita, one of the victims.
"I would like to hear the presiding judge say at least one word about the victory," he continued "I would like hear from him. I would like to be told by the judge that we won. If that is possible."
All 15 justices of the Supreme Court ruled that the Eugenics Protection Law, which was issued in 1948 and later repealed in 1996, was 'unconstitutional' and ordered state compensation, marking a victory for the victims and their families.
According to the Government of Japan, approximately 16,500 people were impacted by the law, which allowed for the forced sterilisation of individuals with hereditary diseases as well as mental and intellectual disorders. The law reportedly allowed for physical restraint, anaesthesia and 'deception' to be used to proceed with the operations.
Victims of Japans' forced sterilisation programme and their families rallied outside the Japanese Supreme Court in Tokyo on Wednesday, as judges ruled the historical Eugenics Protection Law 'unconstitutional'.
Footage shows demonstrators rallying with a banner outside the courthouse. Reporters can also be seen filming the demonstration as some victims delivered their speeches.
"The country did wrong and we want them to apologise to us at least a word if they can. I am wondering how they would apologise to 25,000 people. If possible, I would like the government to apologise with at least a word," said Saburo Kita, one of the victims.
"I would like to hear the presiding judge say at least one word about the victory," he continued "I would like hear from him. I would like to be told by the judge that we won. If that is possible."
All 15 justices of the Supreme Court ruled that the Eugenics Protection Law, which was issued in 1948 and later repealed in 1996, was 'unconstitutional' and ordered state compensation, marking a victory for the victims and their families.
According to the Government of Japan, approximately 16,500 people were impacted by the law, which allowed for the forced sterilisation of individuals with hereditary diseases as well as mental and intellectual disorders. The law reportedly allowed for physical restraint, anaesthesia and 'deception' to be used to proceed with the operations.