London - Amnesty International said yesterday it had learned that Japan will hang several convicted prisoners today, continuing a trend of year-end executions.
The human rights group gave no source for its information but added: "This move would fit a pattern from previous years in which executions were carried out during the parliamentary recess and holiday period to minimise public and parliamentary reactions to the use of the death penalty."
In the past, Japan has refused to confirm whether executions had taken place and continues to carry them out without prior warning to the families of those hanged.