Japan panel calls for penalizing foreigners who refuse deportation

A panel under the justice minister proposed Tuesday establishing criminal penalties for foreign nationals who do not comply with deportation orders as Japan seeks to curb long-term detention of foreigners at immigration facilities.The Immigration Services Agency of Japan is expected to consider drafting revisions to the immigration law based on the panel's proposals to Justice Minister Masako Mori to include imprisonment or fines for those resisting deportation.Supporters, however, worry the move could lead to lawyers and volunteer workers helping foreigners avoid deportation being charged …READ FULL ARTICLE