Editorial

15:43 JST, May 10, 2024

Freedom of speech and free elections are important rights of the people guaranteed by the Constitution. However, it is unacceptable to abuse these rights and repeat potentially defamatory or intimidating behavior.

In the House of Representatives by-election in Tokyo Constituency No. 15 in April, the actions of a candidate of a political group, Tsubasa no To (Tsubasa Party), and his camp have caused a stir.

The group appeared at other candidates’ stump speeches and interrupted them by shouting such words as “scum” and “traitors” over a loudspeaker. On one occasion, it stormed in front of another candidate’s office and blasted the sound at full volume.

In addition, the Tsubasa Party distributed scenes of its actions to a video-sharing website. It is likely that the group was trying........

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