Jotani Kitaichi
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DATE OF CRIMES
Between 4 July 1944 and 21 September 1944
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LOCATION OF CRIMES
On board the Hofuku Maru (transport vessel)
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DATE OF TRIAL
25, 26, 27, 28, 31 March 1947
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LOCATION OF TRIAL
Singapore
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Case Summary
The defendant was charge of illtreating POWs on the transport vessel "Hofuku Maru", which resulted in the death of ninety eight POWs and physical suffering of many others. The accused was found to be solely responsible for the violence and ill-treatment and sentenced to death by hanging.
For more information see:
http://www.legal-tools.org/doc/e9121f/
http://www.legal-tools.org/doc/a8e87d/
Court adjourned as they felt that the interpreter's translation from Japanese into English was very poor, and opined that "he ought to sit in Court and improve his vocabulary". Court adjourned until another interpreter was found.
DEFENDANTS
Jotani, Kitaichi. Sergeant. From Japanese military. From Japan. Guilty. Death by hanging. Sentence confirmed.
JUDGES
Smith, H.E.R. Lieutenant Colonel. From British military. Court president.
Monod de Froideville, C. Lieutenant Colonel. From Dutch military.
Hebden, E.N. Major. From British military.
Van Zeller, A.H. Major. From British military.
Dunsford, E.H. Captain. From British military.
PROSECUTION
Vastava, A.R. SR. Major. From British military.
DEFENCE LAWYERS
Murata, Kiichi. Civilian. Barrister, Tokyo Supreme Court.
DEFENCE ADVISORY OFFICERS
Sinclair, D.G. Captain. From British military.