A Japanese minister apologised Tuesday over the escape of a “model” inmate who fled an open prison more than a week ago, as the number of police hunting him passed 6,000. The case is making headline news in Japan with TV channels picking over the manhunt in minute detail. Hirao gave guards the slip on April 8, vanishing from the facility, an “open institution” where inmates can walk around freely. “Terror and anxiety on a peaceful island,” headlined Fuji TV, presenting a panel discussion about the case. Japan enjoys one of the lowest crime rates in the developed world but has a relatively high re-offending rate.

Source: Punch April 17, 2018 08:15 UTC