“Too light” and “dangerous driving should be applied” Bereaved family appeals at press conference after verdict - Shin-Meishin Accident Tsu District Court
Ex-truck driver sentenced to 7 years in prison, family members hold press conference in Tsu City
Quick Look
- Family members held a press conference in Tsu City on the 20th after a former truck driver was sentenced to seven years in prison for an accident that killed six people on the Shin-Meishin Expressway.
- He appealed for revisions to the Driving Penalty Act, calling it "too lenient."
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Tsu District Court sentenced a former truck driver to seven years in prison for an accident that killed six people, including children, on the Shin-Meishin Expressway.
The bereaved families held a press conference in Tsu City on the 20th after the Tsu District Court sentenced former truck driver Suitoyo Mizutani (55) to seven years in prison for an accident that killed six people, including children, on the Shin-Meishin Expressway.
The bereaved families called for revisions to the Motor Vehicle Driving Punishment Act, saying it was ``too lenient'' and ``I wish it would have been subject to dangerous driving (death-related crimes).''
The older brother of the deceased Eriko Matsumoto, then 42, expressed his dissatisfaction with the sentence, saying, ``Will those left behind be able to accept a seven-year sentence?'' He emphasized, ``I don't want those who might follow in my footsteps to experience the same regret.''
The sister of Eriko's husband, Koji (45), said, ``There have been similar bereaved families in the past, and various information has been reported.I hope that the government will listen to our voices and change (the law) even if we don't take action.''
The eldest son of the deceased Keizo Takamine (age 56) expressed his heart, saying, ``After this accident, I thought it was dangerous to drive while driving.'' ``Even if it wasn't intentional, you are abusing people. I want you to pay a corresponding price.''
Open Questions
- Are there any concrete moves toward legal reform?
- Will there be an appeal by the prosecution?
