Isamu Kaneko Ph.D., a very well-known software engineer and a research associate of Tokyo university, was arrested for creating a P2P software called 'Winny.' 'Winny' supports anonymous bulletin board and file-sharing.
Creating file-sharing software is completely legal in Japan. Therefore, the police are justifying his arrest by alleging he 'assisted' two people who illegally uploaded copyrighted materials using 'Winny'. This kind of manipulation of the law is a very serious threat to our freedom and rights.
Isamu was arrested May 10, 2004 in Tokyo, by Kyoto prefectural police, and bailed Jun 1, 2004. The case is under trial now at Kyoto district court.
Contents
What's new
- Jul 22, 2005
- The case is still under trial. Dr. Kaneko is happily living in his home. We will update this site when the judgement is made. Thank you for your help:)
- Oct 28, 2004
- Court schedule follows. Anyone can hear. Visit Kyoto district court one hour before trial.
- 2004/09/24 14:30 - 17:00 Winny Trial #2 Kyoto District Court #101
- 2004/10/15 13:30 - 16:45 Winny Trial #3 Kyoto District Court #101
- 2004/11/05 13:30 - 17:00 Winny Trial #4 Kyoto District Court #101
- 2004/11/24 13:30 - 17:00 Winny Trial #5 Kyoto District Court #101
- 2004/12/17 13:30 - 16:30 Winny Trial #6 Kyoto District Court #101
- Oct 21, 2004
- Winny case was debated in the Diet. Senator Fukuyama pointed out the problems of Winny case.
- Sep 1, 2004
- The trial was started. Dr. Kaneko plead not guilty. Our lawyers strongly questioned the legitimacy of prosecution.
- Jun 3, 2004
- Freekaneko.com marked 5 million hits.
Dr. Kaneko and the lawyers.
- Jun 1, 2004
- Dr. Kaneko was bailed out with a 5million yen bond.
- Although the prosecutor appealed strongly against bail, the judge rejected quickly.
- May 31, 2004
- Dr. Kaneko was prosecuted for 'abetment' of violating copyright act article 23 (right of public uploading) today. If found guilty, the penalty of violation could be up to three years imprisonment or a fine of 3million yen.
- May 25, 2004
- We are now accepting a donation via Paypal. Please send to contact@freekaneko.com, or use the button below! Thanks for your support.
- May 22, 2004
- A ten day extension of Dr. Kaneko's detention was allowed. We consider the detention to be unnecessary, therefore violating the article 60 of the criminal procedure law and the article 34 and 38 of the constitution.
- May 20, 2004
- Isamu Defense Fund reached 10 million yen! ($100,000)
- Freekaneko.com marked a million hits.
- Thanks so much for supporting Isamu.
- May 19, 2004
- Japanese web site opened.