2017/06/30 Greenpeace Statement: TEPCO Criminal Trial a Step Toward Justice for Fukushima Victims

Today, the trial of three former TEPCO executives charged with ‘criminal negligence resulting in death’ for their role in the Fukushima nuclear disaster will open. Prosecutors contend that former TEPCO Chairman Tsunehisa Katsumata and two vice-presidents, Sakae Muto and Ichiro Takekuro, failed to take steps to secure the reactor site against tsunami risks, despite being aware that a tsunami exceeding the plant’s protections could occur. The case focuses on 44 elderly hospital patients who perished during or soon after the evacuation, as well as injuries to 13 TEPCO staff and self-defense forces.

In response, Energy Project Leader for Greenpeace Japan, Hisayo Takada, said:

“Today marks a historic step forward on the path to justice for Fukushima nuclear disaster survivors. The Japanese Diet’s own investigation concluded that this was a man-made catastrophe. Certainly, the TEPCO executives that are facing charges today are not the only responsible parties, but it is crucially important that they will have to answer in a transparent, public proceeding for the role they played. Greenpeace stands in solidarity with the plaintiffs and other Fukushima survivors.”

Contacts:
Hisayo Takada, Energy Project Leader, Greenpeace Japan [email protected], phone: +81 80-6647-8503
Chisato Jono, Communications Officer, Greenpeace Japan, [email protected], phone +81 80 6558 4446