Hideko Hakamada, the 81-year-old sister of Iwao Hakamada, who was on death row more than three decades after he was convicted of murdering a family of four in Shizuoka Prefecture, expressed delight Thursday after learning he was being freed while his case is re-examined.
She has stood by her brother since his initial arrest 48 years ago.
"Thank you very much. I only want to say I am happy. That's all," she told a group of supporters outside the Shizuoka District Court after it announced its decision.