Japan continues to execute prisoners who are mentally ill, despite international standards which require that those with a serious mental illness be protected against the death penalty.

Executions in Japan are carried out in secret. Lawyers face major obstacles in obtaining information, including on the health of prisoners, and no prior notice of execution is given. Prisoners live in constant fear that each day may be their last.

Death row prisoners in Japan are kept in harsh conditions, in routine isolation with little human contact. The situation is worst for those with a mental illness, who are likely to suffer additional punishments because of behaviour that may infringe the strict rules imposed on them.

Amnesty International is extremely concerned by the situation of mentally ill prisoners under sentence of death in Japan and is urging the government to comply with international standards.

TAKE ACTION NOW: Send a message to the new Japanese Justice Minister to urge her to stop the execution of mentally ill prisoners and comply with international standards.