Japan Kurdish Association Sues Anti-Kurd Demonstrator for Hate Speech and Damages

Kurdish Association Sues Anti-Kurd Demonstrator in Japan

The Japan Kurdish Cultural Association has filed a lawsuit against an individual who organized anti-Kurd demonstrations around its office in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. The association is seeking 5.5 million yen ($36,000) in damages for the man's "hate speech" activities.

The lawsuit, filed with the Saitama District Court on December 27, 2024, alleges that the man and others organized six demonstrations between February and September 2024. During these demonstrations, participants made derogatory remarks about Kurds, including demanding their expulsion from Japan. One banner displayed at the protests claimed the association supports suicide terror attacks.

The association argues that these comments constitute hate speech and have damaged its reputation. They also claim the demonstrations have disrupted their activities and prevented local residents from gathering at their office.

The lawsuit specifically seeks to prohibit the man from inciting people to insult Kurds and exclude them from the local community within a 600-meter radius of the association's office.

At a news conference on February 12, 2025, Vakkas Cikan, the association's president, stated their desire for a society where ethnic minorities and non-Japanese residents can live without fear.

The defendant has denied engaging in hate speech. In a provisional disposition on November 21, 2024, the Saitama District Court prohibited the man's demonstrations around the association's office. However, the man disagreed with the decision and applied for a court order demanding the association file a lawsuit.

Despite the court's order, the man held an anti-Kurd demonstration on November 24, 2024, outside the area covered by the injunction. The case is ongoing.