The bill would raise the minimum sentence for murder to five years from three, and for injury resulting in death to three years from two years.

The bill would introduce a minimum penalty of four years in prison for gang rape, and six years to life for gang rape resulting in death or injury.

The proposed provisions were conceived in light of last year's high-profile gang rape cases involving college students belonging to an event-planning club at Waseda University. Women participants were gang raped after becoming intoxicated at the club's parties.

The minimum sentence for rape under the bill will be raised to three years from two.

The statutory limit for prosecution on alleged crimes with a maximum possible penalty of death will be extended by 10 years to 25 years.

The Japan Times Weekly: Oct. 23, 2004
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