Jul 07 (channelnewsasia.com) - People found guilty of cyberbullying in Japan now face up to a year in prison under rules implemented on Thursday (Jul 7), which were toughened up after the suicide of a reality star who had been trolled online.
Pink-haired professional wrestler Hana Kimura, a 22-year-old cast member of the hit Netflix series "Terrace House" died by suicide in 2020.
The revised legislation follows a passionate campaign by her mother, and now imposes fines of up to 300,000 yen (US$2,200) or a year in prison - an increase from previous penalties of up to 10,000 yen in fines or 30 days detention.
The beefed-up punishments are intended to make clear that cyberbullying is a criminal offence, said Justice Minister Yoshihisa Furukawa. ...continue reading
