Tagawa [Tagaida] Masao and others
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DATE OF CRIMES
1 August 1944
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LOCATION OF CRIMES
Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
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DATE OF TRIAL
7, 8 and 9 May 1946
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LOCATION OF TRIAL
Singapore
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Case Summary
The defendants, civilians employed by a private company, had beaten three civilians of the Occupied Territory who Tsukasa suspected of theft. One of the victims died as a result of the beating. The defendants were charged with, and found guilty of, the maltreatment and torture of these civilians. This is notwithstanding the fact that the defendants were civilians employed by a private company, as it was held that such persons are still under the overall control of the occupying power.
For more information see:
There were discussions about whether civilians working for a private company could be tried by the court for war crimes.
DEFENDANTS
Tagawa, Masao. Employee of a Japanese agricultural and development company. Civilian. Guilty. 10 years' imprisonment. Sentence confirmed.
Miyazaki, Yoshijiro. Employee of a Japanese agricultural and development company. Civilian. Guilty. 8 years' imprisonment. Sentence confirmed.
Tsukasa, Someji. Employee of a Japanese agricultural and development company. Civilian. Guilty. Life imprisonment. Sentence confirmed.
Obara, Yoshiyuki. Employee of a Japanese agricultural and development company. Civilian. Guilty. 10 years' imprisonment. Sentence confirmed.
JUDGES
Smith, H.E.R. Lieutenant Colonel. From British military. Court president.
Lodge, E.F. Major. From British military.
Foss, C.E. Captain. From British military.
PROSECUTION
Lala, G.C. Captain. From British Indian Army. Advocate.
DEFENCE LAWYERS
Suzuki, Hisakasu. Prosecutor of High Court of Japan.
Okada, Kinji. Judge of High Court of Japan.