Tokyo, thousands in front of the Parliament against Shinzo Abe’s "Nazi" policies
Tokyo (AsiaNews) - More than 14 thousand people gathered in front of the Diet, the Japanese Parliament, to protest against the "Nazi policies pursued by the government of Shinzo Abe."
The protesters marched with yellow signs printed with big "NO" and posters with the face of the premier transformed into that of Adolf Hitler. The reference is to the policies related to the creation of an offensive army for the Land of the Rising Sun and the decision to restart nuclear energy.
Kenichi Suzuki, one of the participants, tells Asahi Shimbun: "The Abe administration turns a deaf ear to the voices of the Japanese people. We want to realize politics that respect the principles of democracy". Protesters concluded the event loudly chanting three times: "We implore you: do not wage war!".
At the base of the protests is the constitutional amendment approved by the current government. After decades of pacifism enshrined in national law, in fact, Abe amended Article. 9 of the Constitution which imposed Tokyo not to arm an army except on grounds of self-defense. The review has sparked controversy and confusion throughout the country.
The Catholic Church also opposes the decision, which since the end of World War II, has called on the country to "repent of what was done by the Japanese during the war" and constantly reminded people "the fundamental need to preserve the peace. " On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the end of the conflict, which will be celebrated around the world in May 2015, the Bishops' Conference of Japan issued a heartfelt appeal dedicated to this theme.