Overview
- The Tokyo District Court found North Korea liable for violating the fundamental rights of four people deceived by a 1959–1984 repatriation program.
- Judge Taiichi Kamino said the plaintiffs lost most of their lives under severe restrictions and ordered 22 million yen per person, totaling 88 million yen.
- North Korea did not take part in the case and Japan has no diplomatic relations with Pyongyang, complicating any recovery of damages.
- Plaintiffs’ counsel said seizure of North Korean assets in Japan could be pursued, while advocates urged government support for remaining victims.
- About 93,000 people left Japan for the North through promotions by Chongryon; plaintiff Eiko Kawasaki spent 43 years there before escaping in 2003.