Key Facts
• On April 9, 2026, the government informed ruling and opposition parties it will delay submitting the criminal procedure law amendment bill.
• The bill allows prosecutors to file objections even after courts decide to start retrials.
• During pre-cabinet approval, LDP members criticized the bill for potentially prolonging trial procedures.
• The government postponed the planned April 10 submission to allow more time for adjustments.
• Representative Tomomi Inada (Fukui 1st District) stated the current bill fails to change the status quo.
• Wrongfully convicted Akiji Maekawa, acquitted in 2025, urged creation of laws that truly aid exonerees.
Summary
The Japanese government has postponed submitting a bill to reform the retrial system under the criminal procedure law, responding to internal opposition within the Liberal Democratic Party. The bill permits prosecutors to appeal court decisions to start retrials, a provision criticized for potentially extending trial durations. Representative Tomomi Inada emphasized that the current proposal does not address existing issues and called for more effective reforms based on past lessons. Wrongfully convicted individual Akiji Maekawa, whose retrial acquittal was confirmed in 2025, expressed hope for legislation that genuinely supports exonerees. The delay aims to allow further coordination before the bill is introduced to the Diet.
