Tough diet debate seen for Japan national intelligence council bill

Parliamentary deliberations on a bill to establish a national intelligence council in Japan may prove difficult as the opposition is worried that such an organization’s activities could lead to human rights violations.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara brushed aside concerns at a news conference Friday, saying that the envisaged council is not intended to enhance surveillance activities. “We will provide careful explanations so as not to cause concerns,” the top government spokesman said.

The government submitted a bill to establish the national intelligence council to parliament, on Friday.