Toru is back at work
Toru Suzuki is one of our activists in Japan, now facing a maximum of 10 years in prison for exposing a crime at the heart of Japan's whaling industry.
The so-called “scientific” whaling fleet has now returned to port from the Southern Ocean whale sanctuary for what we hope will be the last time, and it is almost one year since Junichi Sato and Toru Suzuki exposed the embezzlement of whale meat by the fleet’s crew.
Junichi and Toru are still on trial for their efforts to expose this crime, however, recently their bail conditions were relaxed slightly, enabling them to come back to work – just not with each other.
Here’s Toru’s reflections on his first few weeks back at work… Junichi posted a few days ago, on his return...
I'm so glad to finally be able to come back home to the office.Well, I did feel little strange for the first five minutes, as it was my first time here in nine months. But it wasn’t long until it felt like the home it used to be.
Since I was released under bail restrictions, the most disappointing thing for me was that I was unable to see my Greenpeace colleagues.
When I was in custody, I was looking forward to having a BBQ with my colleagues as soon as I was free. But this simple wish was shattered. You can imagine my disappointment, particularly after 26 days with really bad food (It was not the main reason for my hunger strike, but I have to say that I'm glad I did it, as it brought the least amount of awful meals to me in my box of a room).Before our arrests, we - that is everyone at Greenpeace in Japan - already went through much hardship. So my wish before release was to see everyone and pat each other's shoulders.
This is now a reality. I didn't expect it would take so long...
There is still a long way to go with the trial, but now I'm really happy to see and touch the great hearts of these wonderful people again. When you have your spirit up and are with your colleagues, there is not much to worry about. Now my spirit is reinforced, I am stronger than ever!
I would like to thank everyone who helped us to get here. And please keep your eyes on us, as much as possible.
The fact that everyone is watching us, and them, is our best insurance for the trial.
The next pre-trial hearing for the Tokyo Two will be held on the 15th of May this year.
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Comments
Thank you for your note and your spirit. I hope the BBQ is delightful! Bob, Greenpeace US
Posted by: Bob | April 16, 2009 3:50 PM
Welcome home Toru! I am sure the office is a much happier place to have your smile and infectious enthusiasm back. Lovely to see the okinawa dugong in the picture too, my first Greenpeace campaign :-)
Keep smiling,
Karli
Posted by: Karli Thomas | April 16, 2009 3:57 PM
Hi Toru-san, next time i see you i will also pat your back.
great to know you are back in the office.
stay strong
john
Posted by: John Bowler | April 17, 2009 8:25 AM
Hi Toru,
nice to see you back and all the best in the trial.
Posted by: Igor Polko Polakovic | April 18, 2009 7:28 AM
Happy homecoming and Earth Day Toru and Junichi. Wishing you a speedy and fruitful trial exhonerating you, and complementing you on your courageous stand. The world community stands with you, your families, and colleagues.
Posted by: Grateful Child | April 22, 2009 1:35 PM
Toru, don't give up hope! Because we haven give up on you nor the earth. You are not alone, people who care will always be with you!
Never behide but at your side.
Posted by: Duncan Lee | April 23, 2009 7:28 AM
Your courage is an inspiration to us all.
Posted by: Tracey Tomtene | April 24, 2009 6:51 PM
Toru-san,
You are very brave so continue the wonderful work.LONG LIVE GREEN PEACE OUR BEAUTIFUL EARTH NEEDS YOU.
love peace and joy.
fatima
Posted by: fatima lachporia | April 25, 2009 11:26 PM