We would like to inform you that the deadline for discussions on the progress of the Eniwa City ``abuse of persons with disabilities'' cover-up lawsuit has been held.

Date and time: December 20, 2023 from 11:00

Venue: Sapporo District Court No. 201 Civil Tribunal

Judges: Presiding Judge Yuji Fuse, Judge Mio Komatsu (Civil Division 1 Panel Section)

Attendees: 6 plaintiff representatives, 1 defendant ranch official, 1 defendant Eniwa City representative

(Two other Eniwa City employees were also present)

1. The court has confirmed to the defendant Eniwa City its policy regarding the request for submission of materials related to the investigation committee based on our petition for clarification dated November 22, 2023, and the defendant Eniwa City has basically submitted all documents. I received a response that they would.

It is scheduled to be submitted by January 23rd, one week before the second oral argument date.

Regarding the petition for clarification (2) dated December 15, 2023, the defendant Eniwa City has not yet considered it.

2. The court requested that the defendant, Eniwa City, clarify the concepts of "foster parents" and "domestic servants" in the written answer.

3. The court told the defendant Eniwa City that under the Act on Prevention of Abuse of Persons with Disabilities, if the person is not an "employer" but is a "caregiver," it seems that a problem would arise under the same law, so Eniwa City said: There was a request for clarification as to whether the person is considered to be a "caregiver" or not to be a "caregiver."

4 Defendant Eniwa City notified the Counseling Support Office of the lawsuit and expressed its intention to encourage participation in the lawsuit.

5. The court has announced that the plaintiffs will consider the submission of a written request regarding hearing for persons with disabilities dated December 15, 2023.

We would like to inform you that the first oral argument date for the Eniwa City "abuse of persons with disabilities" cover-up lawsuit has been held.

Date and time: November 28, 2023 from 11:00

Venue: Sapporo District Court No. 805

Judges: Chief Judge Yuji Fuse, Judge Shiori Nagamine, Judge Mio Komatsu (Civil Affairs Division 1)

Attendance: 7 plaintiff's attorneys, 1 defendant's attorney

【Future plans】

The progress consultation date (closed to the public) will be held on December 20, 2023.

After that, the next (second) oral argument date will be on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, from 1:30 p.m. at Sapporo District Court No. 805.

[Contents of the first oral argument date]

1. Submission of each document

The plaintiff submitted a complaint and evidence (A1 to A17), and the defendant submitted a written answer and evidence (A1 C1 to A2 C2).

In response to the written answer and evidence submitted by the defendant, the plaintiff submitted a motion for clarification and additional evidence (Exhibits A18 and A19).

2. Summary of communications on this date

A statement of the complaint and a statement of answer were made.

An examination of the evidence was conducted for A1 to A19 and Otsu C1 to Otsu C2.

3. opinion statement

On this day, Attorney General Funayama gave his opinion.