The Tokyo District Court dismissed on Wednesday a lawsuit filed by Chinese forced to work at a copper mine in Akita Prefecture during the last years of World War II.
As soon as Presiding Judge Hideho Sonobe handed down the ruling, people in the gallery raised their fists and shouted protests. "We won't forgive this unfair ruling!" many yelled at Sonobe in Chinese as he exited the courtroom.
In dismissing the suit, Sonobe cited the 20-year statute of limitations. Takashi Niimi, a lawyer for the 11 plaintiffs, said the group will appeal the decision within a few days.