TOKYO (Sputnik) – Two contentious security laws allowing Japan’s Self-Defense Forces to be deployed overseas, interpreting but not amending the country’s post-World War II pacifist constitution, took effect on March 29.
18 February 2016, 23:09 GMT
Some 500 people in Tokyo and 200 in Fukushima filed the suit in the Tokyo District Court alleging that the new laws violate article 9 of the Japanese constitution, according to the NHK broadcaster.
Another 1,500 people across the country were planning to file similar suits with local courts, including in Osaka, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the outlet added.
The plaintiffs demand the new laws to be scrapped, and seek up to 100,000 yen ($900) in compensation for moral damages.
Japan’s National Security Secretariat issued a statement on Tuesday contending that the new laws comply with the constitution and are vital in the protection of lives.
