Japanese authorities’ decision of August 22 to discharge Fukushima power plant’s nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean was followed by its actual execution against all odds on August 24.

In this regard, civil organizations are raising their voices of serious concern and criticism.

On August 22, citizens staged a protest in Tokyo against the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water. Despite the heavy rain, hundreds of protesters holding the placards “No discharge of contaminated water into the ocean!” gathered in front of the Prime Minister’s residence and chanted “Listen to fishermen’s voice” and “Do not sow the seeds of trouble for posterity” etc.

A meeting was also held in Hiroshima on August 24 regarding the Fukushima power plant’s discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean.

Participants conducted the signature campaign in protest at the unjust behavior of the authorities noting that they cannot conclude that no harm would be done to health; when an A-Bomb was dropped in Hiroshima numerous people suffered the aftermath of the “black rain” containing radioactive substances; stop discharging of the contaminated water; zero-tolerance to discharging of nuclear-contaminated water etc.

“National Liaison Association of the Second Generation of A-Bomb Victims”, an organization consisted of descendants of the A-Bomb victims held a press conference in Nagasaki and made public a statement, the keynote of which is that the A-Bomb victims do not tolerate the discharge.

“National Association Against the Nuclear Power Plant’s Discharge of Contaminated-Water” filed Tokyo local prosecution office an indictment insisting that the Prime Minister and the President of Tokyo Electric Power Holding Incorporation are suspicious for accidental homicide in the conduct of business and for damaging a building.

The indictment clarified that radioactive substances such as tritium cannot be removed by the ALP purification method and that this has incurred damage to the health of a lot of people who eat seafood.

More than 150 locals of Fukushima Prefecture and Miyagi Prefecture brought the lawsuit against the state and Tokyo Electric Power Holding Incorporation to the Fukushima Court.

Noting that “they are infringing upon the rights to life of the citizens, making it difficult for the people in fishery business to recover their livelihood” the local citizens demanded the suspension of the discharging of nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean.

Moreover, the National Fishermen’s Cooperative Association, Aomori Prefecture Association of the social democratic party, Aomori Prefecture Peace Trade Union, civil organization in Fukuoka Prefecture and other parties concerned expressed their indignation, saying that discharging of the contaminated water in defiance of the voices of local citizens and fishermen can never be approved of; it is the violation of the law on protection of marine resources, a criminal act, and criminal proceedings should be opened for those in charge in Tokyo Electric Power Holding Incorporation and in the government.