June 16, 2023

Japanese Communist Party member of the House of Councilors Nihi Sohei on June 15 said that in order to prevent released sex offenders from reoffending, the need is for the government to improve after-prison support measures.

Nihi made this demand at a meeting of the House Judicial Affairs Committee discussing bills to revise Penal Code provisions regarding sex crimes.

Nihi provided examples from Canada and South Korea.

According to Nihi, in Canada, the promotion of collaborative efforts by citizens and experts to support sex abusers after their release from prison has worked to reduce the recidivism rate of released offenders by 70-80%. In contrast, in South Korea, it is pointed out that the reoffending rate has increased possibly because of the tightening of post-release monitoring of ex-offenders.

Nihi pointed out that these cases show the importance of after-prison assistance to sex offenders that helps keep them connected with communities. In reply, Justice Minister Saito Ken expressed his intent to strengthen cooperation among relevant authorities in order to enable released sex offenders to receive support in their communities.

Nihi demanded that the government allocate sufficient funds for its after-prison support program and improve the program by harnessing the knowledge and abilities of the private sector and experts.