Reader’s Question:
What would you do if you were falsely accused of a crime, like a sexual offense? Would you choose to run away with the stigma of being a criminal? I want to prove my innocence through a trial.
How to Handle Being Falsely Accused
Recently, while talking with a friend, we discussed the question, “What would you do if
you were falsely accused?” He confidently stated, “I would prove my innocence in court!” However, we need to consider whether that is truly a realistic option.
A Reality Like in the Movies
I was reminded of Ryo Kase’s film “Sore demo Boku wa Yattenai.” In the movie, the protagonist, who is falsely accused of groping, desperately tries to prove his innocence. Reality can be just as harsh as in the movies. According to experts, the first step is to remain calm. If you’re taken away by station staff or police, it’s crucial to have some strategies in mind to avoid a truly troublesome situation. Just imagining such a scenario makes me anxious. Especially in a crowded train, if a misunderstanding occurs, how would I prove my innocence? I feel a need to prepare myself mentally.
The Importance of Preventive Measures
Thinking about this, I believe that taking preventive measures is the most rational approach. For example, in crowded places, it’s essential to be aware of your surroundings. Raising your hand if there is a woman nearby might seem a bit silly, but it could actually be effective. By signaling to those around you that “I am doing nothing wrong,” you may reduce the chances of misunderstandings. However, being overly concerned about how others perceive you can make you appear unnatural, which complicates the situation. Ironically, while everyone claims, “I’m confident I won’t be falsely accused,” the truth is that it can happen to anyone.
Ways to Prove Your Innocence
The goal of “proving your innocence!” is important, but it’s necessary to think of specific methods to achieve that. Collecting evidence after the fact is challenging, so I believe that our daily actions matter significantly. For instance, engaging with those around you can increase the number of witnesses. Lastly, within the context of Japanese law, there is an aspect of “the one who speaks first wins.” Additionally, as time passes, evidence can fade, so it’s crucial to act quickly. So, what do you all think? If you have experiences of being falsely accused or strategies you practice, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments. There may be perspectives I haven’t considered, and I would be happy to think through this together.
