The Tokyo Olympic Games took place this summer, ignoring the
catastrophic spread of COVID-19, and silencing nationwide criticism
and protest against the games. The ridiculous thing was that, before
the opening ceremony, even “torch events” were held throughout Japan.
On July 16th, one of those “torch events” took place at Musashino
Athletic Stadium, which is located in the western part of Tokyo
Metropolis. In front of the stadium, a friend of ours set off
firecrackers to protest against the event, and he was arrested just
because of that sound! He was also criminally indicted for “forcible
obstruction of business” on July 30th. Up until now, he has been
detained at Tachikawa Detention House, waiting for the first trial.
We, The Supporters of the Protester against the 7.16 Mushashino Torch
Event, released the following statement on August 5th, just after the
indictment.
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August 5, 2021
Musashino Olympic Games Suppression - Statement
Do not allow the indictment! Bail out your friends!
Please contribute to the campaign to support the trial!
The Tokyo Olympic Games have been forced to be held while the new
coronavirus infection is spreading further, and the Paralympic Games are
about to be held in late August. The Olympic and Paralympic Games have
revealed that the IOC, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the Japanese
government, and the corporate sponsors have no regard for the suffering
and lives of people.
Under these circumstances, many people have raised their voices in
protest across the country and around the world from before the Olympics
to the present. However, these voices have been suppressed through the
introduction of police and Self-Defense Forces security throughout the
country and through media campaigns that have covered TV and newspapers
in one color.
Forced arrests and prosecution of protesters against the Musashino
"Torch" event
On July 16, 2021, the "torch" ceremony for the Tokyo Olympics was held
at Musashino Stadium (Musashino City). Protesters gathered near the
venue against this event and called for the cancellation of the
Olympics. However, the police drowned out the protesters and even used
police dogs to provide excessive security. The "torch" event took place
while citizens were completely excluded.
As voices of the suffering caused by the Olympics were crushed by the
force, one of our friends who was calling for the cancellation of the
Olympics set off firecrackers on a sidewalk near the venue in a strong
show of protest. He was intercepted by police officers and arrested for
"obstruction of business.
While they continued to be detained at the Musashino Police Station,
they were prosecuted on July 30, despite the fact that no one was
actually harmed! Forcing the prosecution in the midst of hostage
justice, where detention without reason and unreasonable prohibition of
access continues, is nothing but an attempt to crush the freedom of
expression.
Donate to the relief fund! Bail out our friends! Stop the Orypara
immediately!
The detention of our friends is still going on. As the criminal trial
proceeds, a large amount of money will be required for court costs and
other expenses. We also need funds to support the lives of those who are
expected to be detained for a long time. We have received a lot of
donations in the past, but in response to the indictment, we would like
to ask for your overwhelming donation of relief money again! In
addition, please participate in the actions called for by the Relief
Association in order to realize bail for our friends as soon as possible
and to obtain their acquittal.
Bail out your friends now! Stop the Olympic and Paralympic Games
immediately! Anti-Olympic innocence!
7/16 Musashino "Torch" Ceremony Protest Suppression Relief Association
noolympicgames★gmail.com
(Please change "*" to "at".)
