Japan parl passes controversial anti-terror bill

Tokyo: Japan’s lower house of parliament on Tuesday passed a controversial bill to crack down on people planning terrorism and other organised crime, despite concerns it threatens civil rights. The government of PM Shinzo Abe argues the legislation is necessary to prevent terrorism ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games. Officials also say it is a prerequisite for implementing a UN treaty against Transnational Organized Crime which Japan signed in 2000.

The lower house controlled by Abe’s coalition passed the bill, which now goes to the upper house, where the government enjoys a comfortable majority. If enacted it would allow investigators to charge an individual or organisation who engage in terrorism or other serious crimes. (AFP)