State ordered to pay 1.8 bil. yen to ex-leprosy patients

KUMAMOTO, Japan - Lawyers for former leprosy patients hold a banner in front of the Kumamoto District Court in Kumamoto on May 11 informing the patients of their court victory announced the same day. The 127 plaintiffs claimed the state violated their human rights by forcing them into isolation while undergoing treatment for the disease. The court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, ordering the state to pay them 1.82 billion yen in compensation.