Japan death row inmates to hit 100 after ruling

TOKYO, Feb 20 (Reuters) The number of inmates on death row in Japan was set to hit 100 -- almost twice the figure a decade ago -- after the Supreme Court upheld the death penalty for a convicted murderer, anti-death penalty activists said today.

Kazuo Shinozawa, 55, had been convicted of killing six female employees at a jewellery shop in 2000, binding them with rope and setting the store on fire, Kyodo news agency reported. He also stole jewellery worth 1.17 million dollar, it said.

''The consequence of taking six innocent people's lives is extremely grave and bereaved families request a harsh penalty, and the death penalty is therefore unavoidable,'' Kyodo quoted the presiding judge, Kohei Nasu, as saying.

A public perception that violence is on the rise, a vocal victims' rights movement and intense media coverage of violent crimes have been pushing Japanese courts to hand down stiffer penalties -- including more death sentences, experts and activists say.

Japan hanged four death row inmates last Christmas Day including, an anti-death penalty group said, a 75-year-old convicted killer who was confined to a wheelchair.

Since then, another six death penalty verdicts have been confirmed, said the group, called Forum 90.

''This increase is not because of a rise in violent crime,'' Forum 90 said in a statement, noting that a government report on crime issued last year showed a 1.9 per cent decline in murders.

''It is merely because sensational media reports have caused a deterioration in people's sense of security.'' ''STAGE FOR REVENGE'' The mood in Japan contrasts with that in the United States, which along with Japan is one of the few developed countries to execute criminals.

Death sentences in the United States fell to a 30-year low in 2006 and capital punishment is now under what appears to be an unprecedented review amid eroding support.

Growing concern in Japan for the rights of crime victims and their families has also contributed to tougher sentences.

A recent proposal would give victims or their relatives the chance to question defendants and witnesses, give closing arguments and state their own ideas on sentencing have raised concerns that a desire for revenge may tamper with justice.

''If this proposal becomes law, the courts will become a stage for revenge where people are judged by emotions rather law, and an increase in death penalty sentences can be expected,'' Forum 90 said, urging the government to institute a moratorium on executions and give the public more information about them.

Executions in Japan are shrouded in secrecy.

Neither inmates nor their families are given advance warning of hangings. Only prison officials and a priest are present, and the Justice Ministry announces hangings only after they have taken place. No details are released by authorities, although human rights activists publish names obtained from relatives.

REUTERS MS PM1515