National News Minamata deadline for redress passes

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The deadline for victims of Minamata disease to apply for official redress under a special law expired July 31 despite a petition by more than 100,000 people to extend the deadline. The government stopped accepting applications in Niigata, Kumamoto and Kagoshima prefectures from uncertified patients of the neurological illness, which is caused by mercury-tainted water released into the sea and rivers. The disease, officially recognized in May 1956, was caused by mercury-laced wastewater discharged by a plant of chemical maker Chisso Corp. in Minamata, Kumamoto Prefecture. It has affected coastal residents in Kumamoto and Kagoshima prefectures. A similar disease was later confirmed in Niigata Prefecture, caused by wastewater from a Showa Denko K.K. plant. (Kyodo News)

水俣病救済申請が締め切り

水俣病と認められていない被害者の救済法の申請受け付けが、７月31日に締め切られた。

Shukan ST: AUGUST 10, 2012

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