Japanese officials began discussing changes in the law after the suicide of a local TV star.
In Japan, an amendment to the Criminal Code began on July 7, according to which insulting someone on the Internet carries a year in prison. About this the other day, on Wednesday reminded Kyodo News.
In the past, as the publication clarifies, such actions were punishable by fines and a small conclusion. Thus, the monetary penalty for cyberbullying includes a fine of 10,000 yen (about $ 74) and imprisonment for up to 30 days. The law now provides for a fine of up to 300,000 yen (about $ 2,200) and a year in prison.
Journalists noticed that the topic of stricter penalties for online bullying gained momentum after the suicide of local 22-year-old TV star Hana Kimura in 2020 because of her involvement in a TV show . One of the men who bullied her online was fined 9,000 yen.
Opponents of the bill criticized the document, fearing it would undermine the principle of freedom of speech and become an instrument of censorship. According to the decision of parliament, the application of the law will be reviewed within three years. In case of negative consequences, it will be reviewed.
Kimura debuted on the show in September 2019 and spent several months on the show, until her suicide in May. One of the most recent cases that has drawn intense criticism against him has to do with a fight between Kimura and another participant in the show. He accidentally washed his expensive wrestling suit with his own tools – Kimura didn’t like it, he expressed resentment and removed the cap on his head.
Shortly before he died, he complained about the persecution and said goodbye to subscribers.
Recall that a lyceum student from the village of Vichevka, Rivne region, poisoned one of the teachers on Instagram. He wrote offensive comments about the teacher. For the bully, the schoolboy’s mother appeared in court.
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Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.