I feel another hero has appeared. Reading this statement, you will find that the
arrest of Associate Professor Shimoji was unlawful and he is a decent and intellectual
person. This unjust arrest, on the
contrary, makes us know that the ruling class has been driven into a corner.
Fools who side with the ruling class have
to prepare to be ruined unless they change their attitude and take a
conscientious action. I am writing this
kind of thing because there are some people who barely have soul.
Masatoshi
Takeshita
December
16, 2016
Masaki Shimoji
English translation of an excerpt of a
Japanese article: Monju Bosatsu – December 15, 2012 –
Statement
of Hannan University Associate Professor Shimoji,
who was arrested at his home and has been detained
(He wants this statement to be delivered to as many people as possible); from member of “Osaka Declaration Group”
who was arrested at his home and has been detained
(He wants this statement to be delivered to as many people as possible); from member of “Osaka Declaration Group”
<Comment
of group member>
This is a statement of Masaki Shimoji,
associate professor at Hannan University.
The other day he was suddenly arrested by the police who came to his
house and confiscated a total 129 item goods including PC and passbooks. He has been engaged in a movement to protest
against accepting earthquake debris by Osaka municipal government.
Associate Professor Shimoji requests us to deliver
this statement to as many people as possible.
==============================
*We have received a statement of Associate
Professor Shimoji unfairly under detention.*
(So in original)
What is written in my arrest warrant is
untrue. I am
totally shocked that the police, who witnessed my actions that are the basis
for my arrest, have created completely false statements. Why do the police created lies in order to
arrest me? The reason is I am
participating in citizens groups protesting the re-start of nuclear power
plants and the further spread of radiation (through disaster area debris
incineration). In particular, I have
criticized the unlawful conduct by police that I have come across through my
participation in this movement. I
have not done anything wrong.
Japan and the world we live in is an
extremely dangerous place. The nuclear
disaster of Fukushima is not under control, and should the spent fuel pool in
reactor no. 4 collapse, the consequences would be catastrophic for not only
Japan but the world as well. Nothing has
been done to deal with nuclear fallout, as food and other products continue
through the distribution system. Not
only that, a campaign claiming “we don’t have enough electricity” is being
waged, and use of nuclear energy is still being promoted. This is sheer madness.
In the coming 6 to 12 months, the policies
implemented by the government will determine our future. Looking at the faces of my students on a
daily basis who are about 20 years old, I think about what kind of world they
will live in when in 20 years they reach the same age as me. Each time I do, I regret that those of us of
the older generation were unable to prevent the nuclear disaster. The young are not responsible. If anything, I want to work toward leaving an
even somewhat better place for them. The
disaster has already happened and there is no much time left. But there is hope.
Now, I cannot act but I
have not given up. I have been able to
deliver this statement despite my detention.
And if enough people act and raise their voices, we might be in time. I especially call on other university educators, doctors,
scientists, and all those who are considered to be ‘specialists’:
Lear from those citizens who appear to be “uneducated or emotional.” Their voices remain
unheard and ignored; speak out so their concerns can be heard.
The truth will show itself through a
process of critique and dialogue. Stand
on the side of those who oppose and act so that the truth will be known, by
taking to task the government and those wielding power. You may make errors, and that is all
right. Always stand on the side of those
with less power and support them. Even
if they make mistakes, use your authority to get to the truth when dealing with
those in power. It
doesn’t matter what your field is; have the courage to speak out.
Finally, I address the issue that I have
been most deeply involved; the debris from disaster areas. The city of Osaka forcefully began
experimental incineration of such debris at the end of November and continues
preparation for the full implementation beginning in February of next
year. As I have repeatedly said, the wide-spread incineration throughout Japan of disaster
debris will not benefit anyone. Budget
funding earmarked for the reconstruction of disaster areas will be funneled off
for such incineration, hampering progress on reconstruction. Radiation will be
scattered, those living in affected areas will be forced to endure living in
contaminated conditions, and the responsibilities of TEPCO will be
lightened. We will pay for this with our
lives and that of our children and those who are yet born. Such an irresponsible policy should not be
allowed. We must stop this. Those of you who have studied and fought
together, do not give up and continue to fight.
For those of you who were not know about the debris incineration issue,
learn more and lend us a hand. This is a fight to save our future.
I do not know when I will be released, but
I will return at some point. Even if I’m
not visible, I am with you in spirit. As for the others who were also unfairly arrested, I’m sure
they feel the same way. I look forward
to seeing you again.
December 12, 2012 Masaki Shimoji
*Note) Font color changed into red in some
parts for emphatic expression
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