Sugimoto [Sueimoto] Heikichi and others
 |
DATE OF CRIMES
21 September - 8 November 1943
|
 |
LOCATION OF CRIMES
Singapore
|
|
DATE OF TRIAL
5, 6 and 7 February 1946
|
|
LOCATION OF TRIAL
Singapore
|
Case Summary
The defendants were alleged to have beaten, tortured and otherwise maltreated two civilian residents of Singapore who were in the defendants' custody. As a result of this treatment, one of the civilians died. The victims were alleged to have possessed forbidden wireless receiving sets.
For more information see:
http://www.legal-tools.org/doc/cc44a1/
In mitigation, the defence urged the court to take into account the defendants' background, as they were likely influence by being members of "a black organisation, a black nation and a black society". The defence further urged that "the quality of mercy may not be strained", so the men could bring back to Japan stories of the mercy they received and thus contribute to the rebirth of Japan.
DEFENDANTS
Sugimoto, Heikichi. Staff Sergeant. From Japanese military. From Japan. Guilty. 6 years' imprisonment. Sentence confirmed.
Kobayashi, Takashi. Sergeant. From Japanese military. From Japan. Guilty. 3 years' imprisonment. Sentence confirmed.
Mayasaki, Kazuo. Interpreter attached to Japanese military. Civilian. From Japan. Not guilty.
JUDGES
Silkin, S.C. Lieutenant Colonel. From British military. Court president. Barrister-at-law.
Sinha, N.K. Major. From British Indian Army.
Topping, R.J. Captain. From British Indian Army.
PROSECUTION
Stewart, J.C. Lieutenant Colonel. From British military. Solicitor.
DEFENCE LAWYERS
Smith, S.J. Staff Captain. From British military.