Three foreign-born residents of Japan, each from a different background, have filed a lawsuit against national and local governments, alleging unlawful police questioning based on racial profiling. The lawsuit asserts that the individuals endured distressing encounters with law enforcement, characterized by repeated questioning based on their appearance, ethnicity or nationality. The plaintiffs are seeking financial compensation amounting to 3 million yen ($20,342) each for the emotional toll they suffered.
The three plaintiffs claim that they have been repeatedly questioned by the police based on their race and skin color — in what they allege to be discrimination and a violation of Japan’s constitution.
A group of Japanese citizens, including a man of Pakistani descent, launched a civil lawsuit against the country's police on Monday, accusing the authorities of racial profiling and discrimination and demanding an end to the alleged practice. The case, to be heard in Tokyo District Court, comes as Japan in recent years has seen an influx of workers from abroad. The number of non-Japanese living in Japan reached a record high last year, at nearly 3 million people.
Racial profiling by police is an "everyday occurrence" in Japan, one of three foreign-born residents who sued the government over the issue on Monday said."This is an everyday occurrence," he said.
Three residents of Japan with foreign roots file a suit against the central and local governments over alleged racial profiling by police, seeking 3.3 million yen ($22,000) in damages per person.