MURDER OF SOCIALISTS

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11651, 16 October 1923, Page 5

MURDER OF SOCIALISTS

“FOR THE GOOD OF JAPAN.” SENSATIONAL TRIAL. Reuter’s Telegram. TOKIO. October 13. A sensational murder trial is in progress. . , . , . An army captain named Amakasu is charged with strangling a prominent Socialist- named Osugi, his wife, and seven-year-old nephew, who were arrested with others described as dangerous characters, mainly leading Labourites, immediately after the earthquake. It is stated that the bodies were dumped in a well. Amakasu confessed, declaring that he acted for the good of Japan, thinking that holders of dangerous opinions like Osugi imperilled the State in time of calamity. It is now announced that the mils tarv bayoneted 24 out of 13’.“* who were arrested in Tokio for causing disturbnnecs at the police station at the tima of the disaster The War Office has issued a statement regretting the incident, and adding that such things arc inevitable under martial law. ALL JAPAN INTERESTED. Australian and N.Z. Cabl- A—ncieHoa.' TOKIO. October 13. All Japan is interested in the revs, lation of the murders of leading Socialists during the early days of tho disaster (says the Sydney '‘Sun’s” correspondent!. There was a general ronnding-up of Socialists as soon as tho military assumed control. The authorities admit that ten were killed owing to their alleged refractory conduct under arrest.