Question from a Reader:
What would you do if you were falsely accused of a sexual crime? I believe it’s impossible to run away with a criminal label attached to you, so I want to prove my innocence through a trial.
What to Do If You Are Falsely Accused?
Recently, I was having a conversation with a friend about how to
handle being falsely accused of a sexual crime. He expressed his desire to “prove his innocence in court,” and I completely understood where he was coming from. However, the reality is that going through a trial is incredibly challenging. I recall the film “Sorede mo Boku wa Yattenai” starring Ryo Kase. The story was truly shocking. Just thinking about the difficulties of being wrongfully convicted of a groping incident and how it can change one’s life is terrifying.
Things to Consider in Advance
While talking with my friend, I realized that it’s crucial to have a mindset prepared in advance. If you encounter such a situation without any prior thought, I doubt I could remain calm. For instance, keeping both hands raised when there are women around might be a good defensive tactic. But then again, doing that might raise suspicion from those nearby… (laughs). Moreover, I think it’s important to be mindful of your actions on a daily basis, just in case. If you behave too strangely, you might end up being suspected instead. It’s a tough situation.
Efforts to Prove Your Innocence
Nonetheless, the goal of “proving your innocence” remains essential. As my friend mentioned, in Japan’s legal system where statements made in court are highly valued, it’s crucial to prepare thoroughly in advance; otherwise, it might have repercussions later. Therefore, I feel it’s necessary to calmly assert your opinions and make an effort to gather evidence. Personally, I plan to think about what I would say and what actions I would take if something were to happen. The truth is, you never know what might occur, so mental preparation is important.
Share Your Experiences!
Now, I’d like to hear from all of you. If you were falsely accused, how would you handle it? If you have any specific ideas or experiences, please share them in the comments. I hope we can all support each other!
