Demanding justice for a Nepalese man convicted for a 1997 murder they believe he didn't commit, about 100 citizens on Sunday inaugurated a support group to help him win vindication through a Supreme Court ruling.
The group, which includes both Japanese and Nepalese residents of Japan, will also offer moral support to Govinda Prasad Mainali, 34, who is accused of killing a 39-year-old woman and stealing 40,000 yen from her in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward.
Mainali has been in custody since his arrest in March 1997. In its ruling in December, the Tokyo High Court sentenced him to life in prison. He is appealing that ruling.