18 May 2017

News Story: 'Conspiracy' bill vote delayed by no-confidence motion

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Opposition parties submitted a motion of no confidence in the justice minister to the House of Representatives on Wednesday, effectively delaying the passage in the chamber until next week of a contentious bill that would punish the planning of serious crimes.

The bill to amend the law on organized crime is being framed by the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as a necessary measure to protect the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics from terrorist attack.

But opponents say it could open the door to excessive state surveillance and abuses of civil rights. Such concerns saw three past conspiracy bills fail to clear the Diet.

Read the full story at The Mainichi