Handcuffed and bound with ropes around their waists, criminal defendants are routinely led into Japanese courtrooms while relatives and spectators look on. But what was once considered a normal procedure is drawing condemnation from critics calling it a violation of human rights.Lawyers and rights advocates say courtroom restraints undermine the presumption of innocence. By Oct. 15, the Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA) and nine regional bar associations had demanded the practice be stopped.The JFBA has made the issue a national priority. In October last year, it adopted a resolut…READ FULL ARTICLE
