Japan's LDP proposes GPS tracking for stalkers after murder

Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is considering a new policy to combat stalking and harassment cases. The party is drafting emergency policy recommendations that include implementing a GPS tracking system for individuals who have been issued a "prohibition order" under the stalking and harassment regulations. This system would alert victims in real-time if the perpetrator approaches them.

This initiative comes in the wake of a tragic incident in March where a female employee at a Pokemon store in the popular Sunshine City shopping mall in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, was fatally stabbed by her ex-boyfriend. The assailant subsequently died by suicide, and both were declared dead after being taken to the hospital.

Prior to the attack, the victim had reported being stalked by her ex-boyfriend to the police. The perpetrator was arrested on suspicion of violating the stalking law and received a prohibition order. However, the police did not have a way to monitor his movements, and he was able to appear at the victim's residence and workplace, ultimately leading to the fatal incident. In response to this case, the LDP is developing emergency policy recommendations to be submitted to the government.

According to NHK, the draft compiled by the LDP's Research Commission on Crimes against Women suggests that even when perpetrators are prohibited from approaching victims, they may still harbor strong obsessions and re-engage with their victims, potentially leading to severe incidents. Therefore, the use of technological means to track their movements is deemed necessary.

The draft proposes that Japan should adopt a system, referencing overseas examples, that requires perpetrators to wear GPS devices. It also calls for research into related technologies, such as sending alert notifications to victims when a perpetrator approaches them.

Furthermore, the draft recommends establishing a system that mandates perpetrators to undergo treatment at medical institutions and receive psychological counseling, while also strengthening medical resources and support systems.

The Research Commission plans to formally compile the draft's content and submit it to the Japanese government in the near future.