samrinoma (Oct 20 2005 - 09:57)if he loses this case, he still has to do the full 14 years, with the current amount of time served (mostly in solitary), being discounted towards the sentencing!
The whole world knows the truth about this case, especially since his companion, admitted the case was his before his untimely demise. His companion, for those of you that don't know, was awaiting trial in Belgium for a similar offence. The difference being here in Japan, that prosecutors here are trying to suppress a lot of the evidence that can prove Baker's innocence! Belgium authorities have offered evidence to help Nick Baker many times, but each time Japanese prosecutors have refused to accept it. Why? Because we all know that prosecutors here hate to lose at any case. So, even if Nick is granted his freedom, you can be sure that prosecutors here will file an immediate appeal against his innocence! Good luck Nick, prayers are with you!
When you come out, I am sure you will publish a book, and I will be ready to buy. Anything to make you whole again from your current indignation.
I agree that Nick did not get a fair trial, however you missed out a crucial piece of information which was that this wasn't the first time that Nick had done this run to Japan. Initially those defending Nick claimed he was on a pilgimage to visit the world cup venues before the world cup started. However it was revealed that this was Nick's third run to Japan. Fool me once and shame on you, fool me twice and shame on me, fool me thrice .....
There is something very fishy about Nick's visits and if I had been on a jury, i would have convicted him. However his conviction is flawed by what in any normal liberal democracy would be considered unjust procedure. The District Court is not there to hear the rights and wrongs of the japanese legal system and for this reason i am sad to say the conviction will probably stand.
*To give the impression that Baker was an innocent abroad, Baker's supporters withheld the fact that Nick Baker had already been to Japan with James Prunier just two months before his arrest. Baker's story that he had come to Japan to tour stadia and collect souvenirs no longer made any sense. It is still not clear how and why a cook/gardener would have reason, or the means, to travel to Japan twice in two months.
*An analysis of the defense appeal documents revealed that Baker and Prunier had associated with Israeli traffickers in Belgium (and on the previous trip to Japan). Prunier told Baker that he owed the Israelis money and was being sent to Japan to collect something for them.
*Baker's statements show he was aware that the bag would be used for smuggling sex-pills (Viagra) out of Japan. this makes no sense as Viagra would be more expensive in Japan than in any other country.
*Even though it was just a few months after 9/11 Prunier was able to check-in his case under Baker's name, without the check-in attendant or Baker noticing.
*Baker wanted to get off the plane in London but Prunier persuaded him to stay on the flight. If Baker was an unknowing dupe he would not need to be persuaded.
*Baker's statement to the customs officer when asked to search the bag ("Sure, it's me mate's") is internally inconsistent. It means "Go ahead and search the case, but if you find anything, it's not mine." In normal circumstances a person would call their friend over or refuse.
*When faced with these facts the Justice for Nick Baker support group said that Baker's guilt or innocence was not important. They repeated their claims for a "fair trial", but were unable to define what a fair trial is, other than one that frees Baker despite the evidence.
*Baker's confession was not coerced. He changed his testimony several times during investigation and offered corrections to his final testimony.
*The appeal court can only deal with a renewed look at the evidence from the first trial, not structural issues in the Japanese system so claims for a "fair trial" are misguided. The court does not have the authority to change items like the 23-day detention period.
*The Japanese conviction rate is high because, due to limited resources, Japanese prosecutors only take the strongest cases to court and do not prosecute weaker cases. In the U.S., which has a bettter funded system, the conviction rate is lower but proportionatley more people are procecuted and sentenced.
Baker's supporters claim that his guilt or innocence is not important and that this case highlights injustices in the Japanese system. While there are undoubtedly injustices in the Japanese system, Baker's detractors say that Baker's guilt or innocence is primary and that justice is not served by allowing an apparently guilty man to go free. In trying to make their case, Baker's support group has taken advantage of latent anti-Japanese sentiment. they have also raised money on false pretences.
Baker's detractors believe there a simpler explanation for events: Prunier convinced Baker to take the case through and told him that if he was caught he was to deny knowlege of the plan and to blame his friend.
Well said, Booba. Too many automaticallay assume that beacuse he is a gaijin, he is a victim of some injustice. If you can't do the time, don't do the crime.
This is cache, read story here