Outrage over Japan’s decision to prosecute a teenager whose “suicide attempt” killed another woman

Japan pursues A a teenager who fell from the roof of a shopping mall and landed on the pedestrian below, causing the death of both people.

17-year-old A high school student fell from the roof On August 31, he reportedly hit a woman walking with three friends at a shopping mall in Yokohama.

They were both taken to the hospital, where the pedestrian, identified as 32-year-old Chikako Chiba, died about three hours after the teenager’s death. Initial investigation revealed that the student died around suicidealthough the motive was unclear.

According to state broadcaster NHK, the deceased teenager faces charges of “gross negligence resulting in death.” Yokohama police said the teenager was old enough to understand that she could hit pedestrians walking below.

According to reports, law enforcement authorities insisted on officially registering the indictment.

The decision to prosecute the dead teenager sparked debate, with some calling the move pointless and a “waste of resources.”

“The pursuit of a dead girl is the height of government absurdity – the bureaucrats are so obsessed with following rigid and outdated rules that they have completely lost touch with common sense and human decency,” the commentary reads. Japan today.

Another person wrote: “It seems like they are trying to discourage this behavior in a country known for its high suicide rate.”

Japan is the only G7 country where suicide is the most common cause main cause of death for teenagers and records more suicides committed by minors on September 1 than on any other day of the calendar year. Data published in March by the Ministry of Health showed that at least 513 children took their own lives on this day in 2023, compared to 514 in 2022.

Officials have linked the phenomenon to the upcoming start of the new academic year, with “school problems” reported as being linked to 261 cases last year, followed by “health problems” with 147 cases and “family problems” with 116 cases.

Legal experts believe the proceedings could help Chiba’s family pursue civil claims and prevent such incidents in the future.

The Japanese government and media organizations are working to raise awareness of the challenges students face, especially at the beginning of the new school term. According to the government, at least 21,800 people in Japan committed suicide last year.

In 2021, the government appointed a Minister for Loneliness following the recent increase in suicide rates and the problem exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic.

Japan has launched nationwide efforts to promote a comprehensive suicide prevention strategy. The suicide rate fell by more than 35 percent between 2006 and 2022, “partly reflecting the impact of the national suicide prevention strategy,” the World Health Organization said in September.

If you are feeling anxious or are struggling to cope, you can speak to Samaritans confidentially on 116 123 (UK & ROI), email [email protected]or visit the Samaritans website to find detailed information about your nearest branch.

If you live in the U.S. and you or someone you know needs mental health help right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free and confidential crisis hotline, available to anyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a hotline near you.