The central government on Thursday rejected suggestions by the Kumamoto District Court that it reach an out-of-court settlement with the families of Hansen's disease sufferers who died before their damages suit over forced segregation was filed, and for former patients who did not enter sanitariums.
The decision was conveyed during the day's hearing on the case. Because plaintiffs have stated they want the court to make a ruling if the central government rejects settlement, the case is expected to close by the end of the year.
In its opinion on the matter, the central government said the plaintiffs in question were not directly covered by the district court's landmark ruling in May ordering the state to pay 1.82 billion yen to 127 former patients. On May 23, the government decided not to appeal.
"The common damages suffered (by the plaintiffs as compared to those who were deemed eligible for compensation) are unclear, and it is difficult to resolve the matter through negotiation," the state said in explaining its position to the court.