Japan accused of political show trial against activist
Mark Willacy, Japan
Last Updated:
The lawyer for a New Zealand anti-whaling activist has accused the Japanese of seeking a political show trial against his client.
Peter Bethune has been charged with five offences, including causing bodily injury.
Japanese prosecutors want to try the Sea Shepherd activist for trespassing on a whaling ship, carrying a weapon, damaging property and obstructing the passage of a vessel.
But the most serious charge is causing bodily injury, with Peter Bethune accused of throwing butyric acid which allegedly sprayed onto a crewman's face.
Mr Bethune's lawyer, Dan Harris says he's surprised by the charges.
"I am calling this a political show trial," he said.
The first hearing in the case is expected later this month.
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