Hideko Hakamada’s brother, Iwao, was sentenced to death for murder in Japan in 1968. Following his trial, he spent nearly five decades on death row while Hideko campaigned tirelessly for his release. Year after year, decade after decade, Hideko never gave up in the struggle to prove her brother’s innocence.
“I was so focused on Iwao that I had no regard for anything else,” Hideko told Amnesty International. “I felt that I had to help my brother who was suffering. I was fighting for him because I thought it was only natural that he should be acquitted because he was innocent.”
Iwao had been convicted of murder largely based on a forced “confession” following 20 days of relentless interrogation by the police. He described how the police had threatened and beaten him.
Finally, in September 2024, Iwao was acquitted after a retrial. A court ruled that the evidence used against him was fabricated. After enduring almost half a century of wrongful imprisonment and a further 10 years waiting for a retrial, the court’s acquittal recognized the profound injustice Iwao had endured for most of his life. The verdict has brought an end the lengthy fight to clear his name by his inspiring sister.
Hideko worked alongside Amnesty International on her brother’s case and she is very thankful to Amnesty members for their support.
We have been fighting for 58 years.. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone for their support!
Hideko Hakamada
Hideko described her feelings when the court acquitted her brother: “When the judge said that the defendant is not guilty in court, the judge’s voice sounded divine. I was so moved and happy that I burst into tears. I couldn’t stop crying.”
