TRIAL BEGINS IN TOKYO OVER ALLEGED POLICE RACIAL PROFILING“人種など理由に職務質問” 国など提訴

A trial has begun here in Tokyo involving three foreign-born residents of Japan who are seeking compensation over alleged racial profiling by police.

A court hearing opened at the Tokyo District Court on Monday for a lawsuit against the state and local governments filed by the plaintiffs. They say they've been repeatedly stopped by police officers for questioning.

The three say they've been questioned due to factors such as race, skin color, and nationality. They say this questioning is an act of racial discrimination and violates the Constitution. They're each seeking more than 3 million yen, about 20,000 dollars, in damages from the central, Tokyo Metropolitan, and Aichi prefectural governments.

After the hearing, one plaintiff said the lawsuit is aimed at fostering mutual recognition and cooperation.

Racial profiling is a problem worldwide. A United Nations committee has recommended guidelines be established to prevent race, skin color, national origin, or other factors being used as the basis for questioning or investigation by police.

◆racial profiling　人種や肌の色、国籍などを理由に相手　を選んだり判断したりすること    

◆national origin　出身国