Iwao Hakamada, an 88-year-old former boxer, has been acquitted by a Japanese court after spending more than 50 years on death row, the longest in the world.

Hakamada was originally sentenced to death in 1968 for the murder of his employer and three family members, spending a staggering 46 years on death row.

In 2014, a district court ordered a retrial, leading to Hakamada's release from prison to house arrest due to his age and health, although he was not cleared of his conviction until the recent ruling.

The recent ruling deemed Hakamada 'innocent' and criticized the investigation methods, revealing that evidence against him was fabricated, including blood-stained clothing planted by police.

Hakamada's conviction was based on a coerced confession obtained after 264 hours of intense police interrogation, during which he faced threats and physical abuse.

Amnesty International hailed the acquittal as a pivotal moment for justice and reiterated calls for Japan to abolish the death penalty, highlighting the injustices Hakamada endured.

Supporters of Hakamada expressed relief at the verdict but remain concerned about a possible appeal by prosecutors, as he suffers from severe psychological trauma due to his long incarceration.

Since his release, Hakamada has been living with his older sister, who has been a long-time advocate for his freedom, and he continues to struggle with deteriorating mental health.

His sister, Hideko Hakamada, expressed immense joy at the verdict, describing the moment as 'almost divine' when the judge declared him not guilty.

This case underscores ongoing issues within the Japanese legal system, particularly concerning wrongful convictions and the treatment of death row inmates.

The acquittal has sparked discussions about the reliability of the Japanese justice system, especially in light of public support for the death penalty, which remains high.

The ruling was reported by NHK on September 26, 2024, marking a significant moment in the long and complicated legal battle surrounding Hakamada's case.