Prosecutors will have discretionary power to tape and film interrogations of suspects of murders and other serious crimes on a trial basis, Justice Minister Seiken Sugiura said Tuesday.
The measure, which Sugiura announced to reporters, is apparently designed to allay international concerns that prosecutors may be violating suspects' rights and to speed up trial procedures by making it easier for judges to determine if confessions are made voluntarily. Police grillings, however, will not be taped.
Although the interrogations to be recorded will be chosen at the discretion of prosecutors, the move marks a drastic change in policy. Prosecutors had adamantly rejected calls made by defense attorneys and a U.N. panel that they be taped.