Post by : Shakul

A Japanese doctor based in the United States has been arrested upon his extradition to Japan for allegedly vandalising a historic shrine in Chiba Prefecture more than a decade ago, police said on Tuesday.

The suspect, Masahide Kanayama, 63, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, is accused of splashing an oily liquid on structures at Katori Shrine in the city of Katori around 5pm on March 25, 2015.

According to investigators, the alleged act left visible oily smears on parts of the shrine grounds. Katori Shrine is one of Japan’s historically significant Shinto shrines, attracting both worshippers and tourists.

Kanayama was arrested on March 4 after being extradited from the United States. Police said he was taken into custody upon arrival in Japan after being detained aboard a flight bound for Tokyo.

Authorities stated that he has admitted to the allegations related to the shrine vandalism. Japanese police had previously secured an arrest warrant and sought his extradition through legal channels.

Investigators have also obtained a separate arrest warrant accusing him of similarly defacing Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, a prominent Buddhist temple in nearby Narita, also in Chiba Prefecture.

Court documents linked to his extradition proceedings in the United States indicated that Kanayama is the founder of a Christian religious group. The case drew attention due to its international legal dimension and the time elapsed since the alleged incidents.

Japanese authorities continue to investigate the broader circumstances surrounding the incidents and whether additional charges may follow.

The arrest has renewed public discussion about the protection of cultural and religious heritage sites in Japan, many of which hold centuries of historical significance.

#world news #Global News #Crime