Key Facts
• August 1, Kamiyama Sohei held a press conference at the National Diet.
• Kamiyama denied a Kanagawa Shimbun journalist entry in July, citing past disruptions.
• Kamiyama stated he has ‘no intention to apologize’ for the decision.
• The journalist protested, claiming their ‘right to know’ was violated.
• Kamiyama accused the journalist of joining disruptive activities during the election.
• Party officials limited the journalist’s questions, citing time constraints.
• Kamiyama argued the audience’s ‘right to know’ was infringed by disruptions.
• He suggested legal measures if such actions persist.
• The party will now require journalists to pre-register for press conferences.
• Participation will not be denied if rules are followed.
Summary
At an August 1 press conference, Kamiyama Sohei, leader of the Sanseito Party, addressed his decision to deny a Kanagawa Shimbun journalist entry in July, citing past disruptive behavior. Kamiyama firmly stated he has ‘no intention to apologize,’ while the journalist protested, claiming their ‘right to know’ was violated. Kamiyama justified his actions, alleging the journalist had participated in election-related disruptions. Party officials limited the journalist’s questions, emphasizing time constraints. Kamiyama defended his stance, arguing the audience’s ‘right to know’ was compromised by such disruptions and proposed potential legal measures to prevent future incidents. Moving forward, the party will require journalists to pre-register for press conferences, ensuring participation as long as rules are respected.
