The Nagoya District Court has decided against further witness questioning in the case of Wishuma Sandamali, who died in immigration detention, angling for a conclusion in July.
The ongoing lawsuit concerning Wishuma Sandamali, a Sri Lankan national who died in immigration custody in March 2021, saw its 25th oral arguments session at the Nagoya District Court recently. During this session, Judge Takahito Otake ruled against the plaintiff's request for additional witness questioning, stating that all necessary evidence had already been presented in previous hearings. The next argument session is scheduled for July 22, with the court anticipating a conclusion to the case soon thereafter.
During earlier hearings, testimonies from four medical professionals who examined Wishuma were recorded, including a part-time physician who indicated that immigration officials had the capability to determine the necessity for intravenous therapy and connect her to external medical facilities. The plaintiff's side argued that, based on this testimony, it is essential to uncover the responsibility for the failure to provide necessary medical care, advocating for additional witness questioning of the then-Director of the Immigration Bureau and the relevant officials responsible for her care.
This case highlights significant issues surrounding the treatment of detainees within Japan’s immigration system and raises pertinent questions about accountability for medical oversight within government institutions. As the lawsuit progresses, it may influence public perception and policy discussions regarding the treatment of foreigners in immigration detention in Japan, particularly concerning health and safety standards.
