Compensation ruling appealed from both sides

October 23, 2017

Both sides appeal Fukushima compensation ruling

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20171023_25/

Japan's government and Tokyo Electric Power Company have appealed a ruling that had ordered them to pay compensation to people affected by the 2011 accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. The plaintiffs have also appealed, saying the amount is inadequate and some areas are not covered in the ruling.

About 3,800 people filed a lawsuit in 2013, claiming they lost their livelihood and suffered mental distress after the 2011 disaster.

The Fukushima District Court earlier this month ordered the government and the utility to pay more than 4.3 million dollars to about 2,900 of the plaintiffs.

On Monday, the government and the power company appealed the ruling with a higher court. All the original plaintiffs also appealed.

In 2 other similar cases, both sides of the plaintiffs and the defendants have appealed lower court rulings. In one, a lower court acknowledged the government's responsibility.