TOKYO: Japan Tuesday executed two convicted murderers, including one who committed his crime while in his teens, the justice ministry said, ignoring calls from international rights groups to end capital punishment. It was the first execution of a death-row prisoner who committed crimes as a minor since 1997 in Japan, local media said. Both were seeking a retrial, local media said. Though not unprecedented, it is rare in Japan to put to death those appealing for a fresh trial. The death penalty has overwhelming public support in Japan despite repeated protests from European governments and human rights groups.

Source: New Strait Times December 19, 2017 03:56 UTC