In what is believed a criminal trial first, the Tokyo District Court on Friday allowed a victimized party to participate in proceedings during a session in connection with a fatal traffic accident, with the result that the participants presumed the defendant deserved prison.
The participants were the widow and brother of a 34-year-old man who died after being hit by a truck in Tokyo last August. The 66-year-old trucker has been indicted without arrest.
During the trial session, the relatives sat next to prosecutors and asked the defendant if he had prayed for the victim at the accident site.
"We strongly hope the court will give the defendant a prison sentence without suspension," they told the court in a statement.
The prosecutors are seeking an 18-month prison term. The defense has asked for leniency. A sentence will be handed down Feb. 20.
The truck driver stands accused of running into the victim, who was riding a motorcycle, at an intersection in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, on Aug. 1, resulting in the man's death. The truck turned right as the bike was going straight.
Under a new trial system that debuted last month, people victimized by crime are allowed to interrogate defendants and witnesses, as well as express opinions on punishment, before a verdict is reached.