Trial Begins Over Death of 16-Year-Old Girl Following Arrest
The family of a 16-year-old girl who died from severe malnutrition six months after being arrested and detained for 18 days over an assault allegation she denied has launched a lawsuit against Hyogo Prefecture and the Japanese government, with the first hearing held at Kobe District Court on October 21, as a separate case involving a 12-year-old girl has raised further questions about…
A 16-year-old girl from Kobe, named Luna, passed away in December 2025, six months after being arrested and held for 18 days due to an assault allegation she denied. Her family has now filed a lawsuit against Hyogo Prefecture and the Japanese government, claiming that unlawful police and prosecutorial actions contributed to her severe malnutrition and mental health decline, ultimately leading to her death.
Luna had worked at a support facility for people with disabilities after graduating from junior high school. The assault allegation originated from a resident with an intellectual disability who falsely claimed Luna had assaulted them during a facility event. Despite Luna's denial, she was held in custody for two weeks. Her mental and physical health deteriorated after her release, resulting in her death.
Her family is demanding clear answers about the reasons for her arrest and detention, as well as the conditions under which she was held.
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