TOKYO: Japanese Justice Minister Yasuhiro Hanashi was fired for his comments on the death penalty. Yasuhiro Hanashi resigned on Friday to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Former agriculture minister Ken Saito has been appointed as his replacement. Two days ago, in the party meeting, he commented that he “only notices him when he signs the death sentence”.
As Minister of Justice, it was Hanashi’s responsibility to sign all orders for the hanging of death row inmates. He was appointed to office in August as part of a government reshuffle, but was not given the authority to order the executions. He has drawn criticism from both the opposition and the ruling party. He is the second minister to be fired. Last month, Daishiro Yamagiwa resigned as finance minister.
