General

PROTEST JAPAN'S VERSION OF THE "US-VISIT PROGRAM"!

Tuesday, 20 November 2007
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

STOP FINGERPRINTING NON-JAPANESE!
TOKYO PUBLIC ACTION OUTSIDE THE JUSTICE MINISTRY, NOON, NOVEMBER 20!

>From November 20, 2007, the Japanese government will put into effect
the Japan version of the US-VISIT Program, where all non-Japanese
entering Japan (with the exception of children under age 16,
Diplomats, and "Special Permanent Residents" (i.e. ethnic Koreans,
Chinese, etc.) will have their fingerprints and facial photographs
taken every time they cross the border.

This is none other than a system to track and tighten controls on
foreigners, including residents. The government and the Justice
Ministry loudly claim that this is an "anti-terror measure", but
consider the US-VISIT Program, inaugurated four years ago in the
United States, that this policy is modeled upon: "It has been
completely ineffective at uncovering terrorists. Rather, it has been
used as a way for the government to create a blacklist and stop human
rights activists from entering the country." (Barry Steinhardt,
American Civil Liberties Union, Foreign Correspondents Club of Japan
October 29, 2007). We see Japan heading down the same path as the US.

Japan's version of the US-VISIT Program is so laden with problems,
and passed without adequate deliberation by the Diet, that we call
for the government and the Justice Ministry to immediately suspend
it. To his end, we will assemble before the Justice Ministry on the
day of its promulgation, November 20, 2007, for a demonstration and
protest. We call on the public to join us at noon that day and lend
your support and participation.

DATE: Tuesday, November 20, 2007
TIME: Noon (demo will take 30 minutes to an hour)
PLACE: Ministry of Justice, Kasumigaseki, Tokyo (Goudou Chousha #6)
(Subway Marunouchi Line to Kasumigaseki Station, Bengoshi
Kaikan exit)

ACTIVITIES: Sound truck with speeches
Placards, Message boards (NO TO FINGERPRINTING, FINGERPRINTING NON-
JAPANESE IS DISCRIMINATION, "NON-JAPANESE" DOES NOT MEAN "TERRORIST"
etc.--create your own slogan and bring your own sign!)

CONTACT:
Amnesty International Japan (Tel 03-3518-6777)
http://www.amnesty.or.jp/
Solidarity Network with Migrants Japan (SMJ) (Tel：03-5802-6033)
http://www.jca.apc.org/migrant-net/
See you there!
ENDS

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