On November 2, Tatsuya Usuda (51 years old), who was accused of throwing burning bottles at the Liberal Democratic Party's headquarters in Yurazaki, Tokyo, and violating laws such as the 'Burning Bottle Punishment Law', appeared in court for his first trial at the Tokyo District Court. During the trial, the defendant tore up the 'Japanese flag' he had brought into the courtroom, and then the court recessed for about 30 minutes.
According to the indictment, around 6 a.m. on October 19, 2024, the defendant threw five burning bottles at the headquarters of the Self-Defense Party. Subsequently, they drove a vehicle into the protective fence in front of the Prime Minister’s official residence. The prosecution charged the defendant with attempted homicide, violation of the Burning Bottles Ordinance, property damage, obstruction of official duties, and arson against buildings that were not owned by them. At the time of the incident, Japan was during the period of parliamentary elections.
At the beginning of the trial, the presiding judge asked the defendant, "Is there any error in the charges?" However, the defendant did not respond. Instead, he stood up and took out a "Japanese flag" made of paper from an item resembling an envelope.
He said, “This is a flag made in accordance with the ‘National Flag and National Anthem Law.’” Immediately, he tore up two pieces of paper printed with the Japanese national flag on the spot, and the torn paper scraps scattered all over the floor.
After that, the defendant took out a third ‘Japanese flag’ and pulled out a brown object similar to chocolate from his pants. He put it in his mouth, then used the ‘Japanese flag’ to wipe his mouth. Finally, he said, “That’s all I have to say.”
The court was adjourned for about 30 minutes.
The defense argued that the prosecutor had abused his power and distorted the facts of the case. The court also failed to follow proper procedures, therefore the prosecution in this case should be considered invalid.
The prosecution stated during the trial that since around 2009, the defendant believed that the requirement for candidates to pay a deposit in the Japanese electoral system violated the constitution, and had filed a lawsuit regarding this issue. In addition, he posted comments on social media criticizing the electoral deposit system and existing political parties.
The prosecution also pointed out that starting around 2024, the defendant investigated the methods of making combustion bottles and purchased the necessary materials.
In this case, the Tokyo District Public Prosecution Office conducted an assessment detention of about three months on the defendant to evaluate his mental state and criminal responsibility. The prosecution ultimately determined that the defendant had the capacity to bear criminal responsibility, and therefore decided to file a charge.
It is reported that the defendant remained silent after being arrested and refused to provide statements. There are 15 court hearings scheduled for this case, and the court will pronounce its judgment on December 9th.
