Japan secrecy law stirs fear of limits on freedoms

[November 26, 2013]  TOKYO (AP) — Japan's lower house of parliament has approved a state secrecy bill that penalizes civil servants who leak secrets and journalists who seek them — a move opponents criticize as a heavy-handed effort by the government to hide what it's doing and suppress press freedom.

The public is concerned because the government won't say exactly what becomes secret. Critics say the law could allow the government to withhold more information and ultimately undermine Japan's democracy. Parliament's weaker upper house is expected to approve the bill next month.

The ruling party says the law is needed to encourage the U.S. and other allies to share security information with Japan. It's part of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's effort to strengthen Japan's role in global security and make a more authoritarian government at home.

[Associated Press]

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