The International Military Tribunal for the Far East

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The International Military Tribunal for the Far East "Before assembling here today the Members of the Tribunal signed a joint affirmation to administer justice according to law, without fear, favor or affection. We fully appreciate the great responsibility resting upon us. There has been no more important criminal trial in all history. Certainly we are not a Senate or a House of Peers met for the impeachment of a Verrus or a Hastings, but a court of our respective countries. On the other hand the accused before us were no mere provincial governors, but for more than a decade were the leaders of Japan at the height of her power and prosperity. They include former prime ministers, foreign ministers, finance ministers, chiefs of staff, and others who have filled the highest places in the government of Japan. The crimes alleged are crimes against the peace of the world, against the laws of war. And against humanity, and conspiracy to commit these crimes. They are so many and so great that is was decided the appropriate forum would be a military tribunal of an international character, namely a tribunal comprised of the representatives of the Allied powers that defeated Japan. While the former high rank of the accused of itself entitles them to no greater consideration than would be extended to the humblest Japanese private or Korean guard, the number and quality of the crimes charged ensure for them the most anxious consideration by the Tribunal of the evidence that will be adduced, and also the most careful ascertainment by the Tribunal of the law applicable. To our great task we bring open minds both on the facts and on the law. The onus will be on the prosecution to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt." All Japan... ... middle of paper ... ...e to make a written application in advance before seeking to produce any evidence in the form of documents or witnesses. This prior disclosure however was not necessary for the Prosecution. There was also detrimental information that was obtained from the Accused without any legal protection prior to the trials. In essence the Defense team was seriously understrengthed and unprepared to face such a complete, powerful, and large prosecution team. The 28 defendants charged were selected after international deliberations and the International Prosecution Section made the final decision. Of these 28, two committed suicide and one was declared insane, and out of the 25 remaining were convicted and all but 2 were found guilty on at least two charges. The Tribunal had completed its duties in applying international law, whether just or not, upon Japan’s War Criminals.

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