A group of Japanese citizens, including a man of Pakistani descent, launched a civil lawsuit against the country's police on Monday, accusing the authorities of racial profiling and discrimination and demanding an end to the alleged practice.
The case, to be heard in Tokyo District Court, comes as Japan in recent years has seen an influx of workers from abroad.
One of the three plaintiffs, Syed Zain, a 26-year-old Japanese citizen of Pakistani descent, says he has been repeatedly stopped by police, including getting searched in front of his home.
He has lived in Japan for two decades, attended Japanese schools and is fluent in the language, he said.
"Racial profiling is nothing but discrimination on the basis of race, nationality and color," their claim alleges.
Persons:
Matthew, Syed Zain, Maurice
Organizations:
Court
Locations:
Islander, Tokyo, Japan