Japan to Investigate Harassment Claims in Prosecutors’ Office After Rape Allegation

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Tokyo: Japan's justice ministry has announced a nationwide investigation into harassment within the prosecutors' office following a high-profile rape allegation against a former senior prosecutor.

Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi said all staff members would be included in the probe during the current fiscal year, though he stopped short of committing to an independent investigation sought by the accuser.

The case centres on a former prosecutor known by the pseudonym Hikari, who publicly alleged in 2024 that she was raped by her then-boss, former Osaka chief prosecutor Kentaro Kitagawa, in 2018. Kitagawa was arrested and initially admitted to the assault before later claiming the encounter was consensual.

Hikari resigned in April after authorities rejected her request for an independent inquiry. She argues that an internal investigation will not adequately address misconduct within the organisation.

The prosecutor has also alleged that colleagues spread rumours about her after she came forward and has called for broader reforms to prevent harassment and abuse within Japan's legal system.

The case has drawn national attention in a country where few victims publicly report sexual assault and has renewed scrutiny of workplace culture within the justice system.

Pic Credit: AFP