This article is based on a report by The Asahi Shimbun:
https://digital.asahi.com/articles/AST3Y4JV3T3YUHBI019M.html?iref=pc_ss_date_article
Introduction
This article explains a troubling case in Hyogo Prefecture, where a 12-year-old girl was subjected to a lengthy police interrogation and coerced into making a false confession.
Sudden Call from the Police
In late February last year, a mother in Hyogo received a sudden phone call from the police asking her to bring in her 12-year-old daughter, then a sixth-grade elementary school student. The reason was not disclosed, and the mother, filled with anxiety, took her daughter to the police station.
Upon arrival, the mother was informed that her daughter was suspected of touching a male classmate’s genitals multiple times. However, the girl consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Coerced Confession
The girl was interrogated by a female officer for more than three and a half hours. During this time, she was repeatedly told things like “There’s no way you don’t remember.” Eventually, she was pressured into writing a statement admitting to acts she did not commit and was made to stamp her fingerprint and sign the document.
Discovery of False Accusation
Later, the mother consulted a lawyer and confronted the police. The police then revealed that they had begun to doubt the male classmate’s allegations. Ultimately, the boy’s claim was found to be false.
Issues Revealed
This incident exposed that police did not follow official rules set by the National Public Safety Commission. These regulations state that law enforcement should not cause unnecessary stress or anxiety to minors, should avoid lengthy questioning, and should allow for a guardian to be present. Experts also warned that such long interrogations of children could easily lead to false confessions.
Why She Confessed
The girl said, “I wasn’t allowed to go home, and I started to think maybe I had forgotten something and that it was my fault.” The psychological pressure during the interrogation played a significant role in her false confession.
What Parents Should Do
If a child is called in by the police, it is essential for parents to consult a lawyer immediately. A lawyer’s presence during questioning can prevent unjust or improper interrogation practices.
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